DOUG JOHNSON

Douglas Johnson, age 49, died tragically Friday, May 5, 2023. He leaves a family and a community of friends in grief, but also a lifetime of memories to cherish.

He was born January 20, 1974, in Geneva, IL, to loving parents, Gary and Rita Johnson.

Doug grew up in Maple Park, IL, and attended local schools. He graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1992. While roaming the halls of Kaneland, he may have been a part of various “alleged” mischief, but excelled in music, madrigals, was the manager for the girls’ volleyball team and was voted most likely to be a “rock star”. He was also known for rocking his Z Cavaricci  (in every color), wore his mullet with pride, and was more than generous with his cologne, sometimes “eye watering generous”. Doug may not have had his name in lights, but he was the star attraction for his family and friends.

He was united in marriage to Nicole O’Connor in 2001. They were blessed with four children: Nicholas, Evan, Olivia and Ryan. Although Doug and Nicole would eventually take different paths, the children never left their hearts and remain as a testament to the love devotion they once had.  

Doug believed in hard work and lived by the mantra, if you are not 15 minutes early, you are late. He flourished in the trades beginning in 1998, cementing his proud blue-collar status as a plumber for many years. Hard jobs never made him flinch and the easy ones, well they received that same dedication and intensity, so that no matter big or small, each job was done and done right. He never called in sick because he never got sick. For Doug it was mind over matter; rub some dirt on it, walk it off, you’ll be fine. His dedication to his craft was evident to his mother and father-in-law, Steven and Joan O’Connor, as well as to his brother and sister-in-law Kara and Jason Pozzi as he pledged countless hours to their company, OPI.

He was a proud member of the Plumbers Union, Local 130.

Doug was the first to stop and help anyone in need, wore his heart on his sleeve, and made everyone around him feel safe because he always, always, always had your back. He found friends around every corner of every street and many times in other countries. If he didn’t make you his friend and make you laugh till it hurt by the end of the hour, he wasn’t doing his job. R.J. inherited some quick wit, a fast smile and an easy laugh that was quintessential Doug and will be sure to hone it as the years go by. Firm handshakes and eye contact was a rule, as was his honesty…whether you liked it or not. Doug excelled in nearly everything he did, from skateboarding, roller skating, motorcycles (big and small), not to mention skiing with his kids, he was at the top of his class. Even in the kitchen, he made the most of his talent, making brownies with his daughter Olivia, the famous “sauce”, “Bud’s Mess” and even took over in other kitchens as well. At the age of five, Doug talked himself into the kitchen of the Kountry Kettle just so he could crack his own eggs. If the question was sweets or any sugary concoction, Doug’s answer was always “Yes!”. His passion for music (and gift of gab) was passed down to his children. You could play almost any song in any genre, and he could give you a dissertation on it history and relevance. Pink Floyd and Rush were at the top of his list, but all awesome music, regardless of genre, was welcome. Never shy of the limelight, Doug was front and center dancing like no one was watching (though everyone was) when he put aside his pride and danced with the other dads at Olivia’s annual dance recital, in the infamous “Dad’s Dance”. He was notorious for wild parties whose statute of limitations may not have passed so no more details will be shared here. Lodge Club was an excuse to hang out with his friends, challenge others to cutthroat games of ping pong, pool, darts and more. When he wasn’t hard at work, you could count on him to be not only at his children’s games but coaching them as well. He was a consummate t-ball, baseball and football coach, the latter garnering him with the honor of being the longest standing volunteer and board member of the KYFL (Kaneland Youth Football League). His love for the Chicago Bears knew no equal, as was his disdain and hatred for Green Bay. His son Evan loves the Packers, so the intensity of their rivalry reigned supreme every season. Only one thing rose above it all, and that was his family. He never missed a chance to experience life with them, side by side. Most recently, strong “proud dad vibes” emanated from Doug like rays from the sun whenever he spoke about Nicholas attending Loyola University in the fall. Those memories, big and small, loom large now in his absence. As the echo of his laughter fades into memory and his smile immortalized in countless pictures; his unfathomable loss is keenly felt by everyone who knew him.   

He leaves the best people in his life, his four children: Nicholas Steven, Evan Douglas, Olivia Marie and Ryan Alexander Johnson; their mother Nicole Johnson; his parents, Gary and Rita Johnson; a sister, Dawn Weber, one brother and several other “brothers” including Jim Weber; his in-laws (who throughout never thought of him as an “outlaw”) Steven and Joan O’Connor; sister-in-law, Kara (Jason) Pozzi; and countless friends the world over.

He now is reunited with his beloved niece, Lexi Weber who was the apple of his eye; paternal grandparents, Margaret and Marvin Johnson and maternal grandparents Florence and Oswald Olesen who preceded him in death.

A memorial visitation will be Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, from 5-8 p.m. with a time to for family to share memories beginning at 7:30 p.m. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

The family wishes that instead of monetary donations, please do a random act of kindness in memory of Doug so his spirit can continue the work that tragically he was unable to finish in person. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can read Doug’s full life story.