David Lorne Johnson, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was born on February 8, 1948, and raised in Leland, Illinois, to Lorne and Genevieve (Croxin) Johnson.

David dedicated 28 years to the DeKalb Fire Department, where he also served as a paramedic for many of those years. He deeply valued his time with the department and, in later years, took on the role of the station’s chef, preparing hearty meals for his colleagues to enjoy in the firehouse kitchen. Many of his lifelong friendships were formed during his years of service.

Alongside his work with the department, David operated a small horse stable on the edge of DeKalb, offering boarding and riding lessons. The barn and home were always open, creating a welcoming space for children and boarders to share in the love of horses—a passion he proudly passed down to his daughter and granddaughter.

Following his retirement from the fire department, David worked at the John Deere Implement with his brother James on the west side of DeKalb, where he built additional connections within the local farming community.

David was known for his tough exterior, but beneath it was a big heart and a soft spot for those he held dear.  

David found joy in time spent with his horses, working on the farm, playing golf, and annual Canada fishing trips with his buddies over many years. Of all the roles he held in life, the one that suited him best was “Papa,” where he was a devoted and proud grandfather who found his greatest joy in time spent with his grandchildren.  

He is survived by his children, Gregg (Jenny) Johnson of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Jayme (Brian) Miller of Tinley Park, Illinois; his grandchildren, Russell, Kalvin, Andrew, and Lauren; and his bonus grandchildren, Noah (Courtney), Jessie, Lana, and Lea. He is also survived by his brother, James Johnson.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Lorne and Genevieve Johnson, and his sister, Diane Johnson.

A visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, Illinois, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Johnson Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.