William R. "Bill" Johnson

William R. "Bill" Johnson, 78, of Coatsburg, IL, passed away at 7:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Born on November 28, 1946, in East St. Louis, IL, Bill was the son of George L. and Elva Mae (Kelly) Johnson. On June 21, 1969, he married Bonnie J. Husemann at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Coatsburg, IL. She survives.

Bill proudly served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1967. A lifelong servant to his community, he was an active member of the Lions Club and a dedicated volunteer with the Central Adams County Fire Protection District. He served as an EMT and first responder for Adams County, covering Coatsburg and the surrounding area, and spent over 20 years providing emergency medical services at Quincy Raceways.

Bill served on the Coatsburg town board for over 40 years, helping to guide and support the community he called home.

He began his healthcare career as an LPN in the ICU at Blessing Hospital for 19 years, later working at QMG Urology for 6 years until his retirement in 2012. Even in retirement, Bill remained active, driving for Knapheide Truck Equipment for as long as his health allowed.

Bill was a man of deep faith. A devoted member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years, his belief in God guided how he lived, served, and treated others. His faith was his foundation, and he leaned on it throughout his life.

He was known for his kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his children: Anthony C. (Nelle) Johnson of Louisville, KY; Andrew C. (Yessica) Johnson of Coatsburg; and Angela C. Waterkotte of Coatsburg. He was a devoted grandfather to Alger F. (Haylie) Johnson of Peoria, IL; Alexia M. Johnson, Rebekkah B. Waterkotte, and Charlotte R. Waterkotte, all of Coatsburg; and Aaron C. Johnson and Aidan C. Johnson, both of Louisville, KY. He is also survived by his nephew, Darren (Kimberly) Johnson of Washington, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, William R. Johnson Jr.; and his brother, James L. Johnson.

Cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Coatsburg. Private family inurnment will be held at Graymount Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, the Central Adams Fire Protection District, or Graymount Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.

The Lummis Hamilton Funeral Home in Camp Point is handling the arrangements.