Ken Johnson

Kenneth Paul Johnson died peacefully on Sunday, January 19 at the age of 81 years. He was born in Evergreen Park, IL on June 22, 1943, to Frances and Sigurd Johnson. Ken grew up in Matteson, IL where his interest in teaching began. He attended Illinois State University in Normal, IL and graduated in 1966, with a degree in Industrial Education. In 1967, he married his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Virginia Gayle Anderson. 

He accepted his initial teaching position at Rich East High School in 1966 and transitioned to Hillcrest High School for the next two years. In 1970 Ken and Viriginia moved to Sterling where he began what became a long and impactful career at Sterling High School. He loved his students and found immense joy in teaching, guiding, and mentoring them. His teaching focus was on Industrial Arts as the lead teacher in the Applied Technology Department. He worked at both the high school and the vocational center. Ken often helped students build a passion for learning that they carried into successful professions with practical skills to ready them for success beyond the classroom.

Coach Johnson immediately began to also make his impact on the landscape of Sterling High School. He initially was both a wrestling and football coach at SHS. After 15 years, he focused his efforts on the Warrior football staff. Ken retired in 2001, he achieved 200 career victories as the freshman head coach, but he was most proud of the friendships he had built with the young athletes and fellow coaches at SHS. He remained an avid sports fan and enjoyed supporting the Sterling Golden Warriors from the sidelines. 

His most significant roles in life were as faithful husband, loving father, and beloved grandfather. Unfailingly he was generous and kind and adored by his entire family. He and Virginia enjoyed visiting with their grandkids and attending their youth sporting events. Ken will be missed but never forgotten. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Virginia; children: Darren (Meredith) and Teri; grandchildren Travis, Alex, and Jack. His siblings, Thomas (Sandra), Joyce (Frank), Marybeth (Steve) and Terry also survive him. 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings Roberta and William.

 Funeral services will be held at 3PM on Saturday, January 25 at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, with visitation two hours prior at the funeral home from 1PM–3PM. A reception and dinner will follow. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Rock River Hospice & Home.