Mahlon Johnson

Mahlon L. Johnson, 72 of New Windsor, IL died Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday November 9, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ophiem, IL. Burial is in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation is 3-7 p.m. Thursday at Peterson Wallin Knox Funeral Home in Alpha where memorials may be left to Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Oxford Township Fire Department or Tri-County Ambulance. Online condolences may be made at www.petersonwallinknox.com.

He was born February 25, 1946 in Moline, IL to M. LaVerne and Mildred E. (Johnson) Johnson. Mahlon graduated from AlWood High School. He married Rhea L. Reed February 7, 1976 in Cambridge.

Mahlon’s true passion was farming. After graduation, he worked the family farm with his father in the Ophiem area and was employed at the Elevator in Ophiem. He worked at the Alpha FS Feed Mill for many years and CPS in Viola, retiring in 2010. He continued to farm throughout his life.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, the Henry County Farm Bureau and Illinois Pork Producers.

He enjoyed woodworking, especially creating wooden toys and furniture, collecting John Deere toy tractors, traveling with Rhea and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

Survivors include his wife: Rhea; one daughter: Kathy (Thad) Curry of Alpha, IL; two sons: Chad Johnson of Orlando, FL; Corey (Erin) Johnson of Rock Island, IL; six grandchildren: Chris (Marie), Cody, Evan, Lauren, Lucas and Jacob; five nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son: Jason and one sister: Barbara Kepner.