Service Details
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at Apostolic Faith Church, 3045 Airline Road, Caledonia. A visitation for Jeff will take place on Saturday at the church from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrance’s would be appreciated by the Johnson family.
Jeffrey D. Johnson, age 67, of Racine, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 11, 2022. He was born in Racine on September 2, 1954, a son of James D. and the late Arlene G. (nee: Hoag) Johnson.
In Jeff’s early years, he was active in the YMCA’s Indian Guides and the Racine Kiltie Kadets Drum and Bugle Corps as a bass drummer. He graduated from J.I. Case High School in 1972.
On March 1, 1975, he was united in marriage to Cynthia Ann Mary Brennan. That marriage was dissolved. On June 19, 1993 in Racine, he was united in marriage to Hilde Kuemmerling.
Jeff was employed with Western Publishing in Racine for many years until its closing. He then became employed with the YMCA of Racine. During his time there, he held many positions including: Aquatics Director, Swimming Instructor, Life Guard, Grounds Keeper, and Building Maintenance. He was loved and respected by all he touched through his many years at the YMCA.
Jeff was active in his community, exemplifying a generous and giving spirit. He was a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. His activity in the Boy Scouts included Scoutmaster for Troop 274, Cub Scout Pack 206, active with his grandson in Troop 142, and resource and counselor for swimming. Well loved, “Gator” created many wonderful waterfront memories at camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta. Jeff actively participated and lead the Kiwanis Club of Racine, where he held many offices. Currently, he served the Kiwanis as the Chairman of the Holiday Lights Foundation and Fundraising Committee. He was also Past President and Vice-President. It was shared that he was a central force in restoring and keeping the Racine Zoo Wheary Christmas lights display. Through his involvement with the YMCA, he touched many lives and taught countless individuals how to swim with wit and patience. He had a gift for easing fears of those first beginning in the water. His involvement went beyond the pool including helping at the annual Lighthouse run every year.
Through all of his giving, a prevailing theme was his cheerfulness and giving spirit without a thought of anything in return. He gave everything he could to anyone lucky enough to be part of his life.
Survivors include wife, Hilde; father, James D. Johnson; children, Samuel (Tonia) Johnson, Marie Johnson, Robert (Kristina) Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Ingrid Metz; Grandchildren include Abigail Johnson, Mikayla Johnson, Jakob Johnson, Devon Bergwall, Josiah Johnson, and Samantha Seyferth; Great Grandchildren, Honora and Matthew Jr.; sisters, Barbara Hansen and Laurie (Dale) Strobel, and many nieces and nephews.
Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, sons, Frank and Steve, and brothe,r Michael.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at Apostolic Faith Church, 3045 Airline Rd., Caledonia. A visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances would be appreciated by the Johnson family.
Jodie Antreassian - Janiuk says
My sincere sympathy.My heart goes out to Jeffs family.
Myra Fox says
So very sorry, Jeff was a good man with a loving heart. He will be truly missed by many.
David Maack says
My deepest condolences. Gator was a great guy, a mentor to many scouts and a gentle and caring person.
Amy Kaun says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Johnson’s Family. He was such a big part of the YMCA. Everyone knew Jeff. He taught so many kids how to swim in Racine.
William M. Pepito says
Sorry for your lost. My condolences.
Georgia Beres says
Sorry for your lost.
Julie Z says
Sorry for your loss. Jeff will be missed by everyone! Especially his Y family.
Claire Weslaski says
He will never be replaced – at the YMCA or in our hearts. God Bless
Anonymous says
Truly the loss of a kind gentleman whose smile will be in our hearts forever.
We have know Jeff since he worked for us in High School.
He taught our grandchildren swimming and our three generations of our family
loved him dearly. We are sorry Jeff was taken too soon.
Fondly,
Mark and Hilary Krejcha Millers Flowers
Sandra Martens says
Will miss him dearly. Sorry for your loss.
Bobbie Reinhofer, Rip Tide Instructor says
Jeff taught so many individuals of all ages not to fear the water. What he taught will be remembered for many years to come. He could look at a member and see the fear of the water and knew how to soothe, foster confidence and love of the water. He was a special man. I looked forward to working with him at the Lighthouse Runs. I had just spoken to him 1.5 weeks before his passing. We laughed and enjoyed the weather.
We will be looking around the YMCA grounds for a long time where he would be cutting grass, blowing leaves, shoveling. He was always busy, always giving and I for one will remember how he made the YMCA a wonderful place for families and youngsters to come.
Thank you Jeff
Lynda Knudtson says
Such an incredible loss. Jeff was a great friend and part of the Y family.
Linda Sokolowski says
My deepest condolences for your loss.
(Ranger) Norman Yeagle says
I remember “Gator” well. He was the big hit at the lake front at camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta. Such a sad loss for all.
Josh & Kathi Turner says
Sam, Marie, Michelle & family,
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. You will all be in our prayers in the coming days ahead. Much love.
Melissa Schroeder says
I had the honor of meeting Jeff through scouts. He helped our troop pass swim tests yearly for summer camp. We had one scout who was TERRIFIED of water and could not advance until he passed a swim requirement. Our leaders all tried to help him. Jeff spent weeks gently coaching this young man, never once losing patience and encouraging him. That young man passed his test due to Jeff’s instruction. We will never forget what an impact he had on the whole troop. His legacy lives on in all those he influenced.
Allison Fritsche says
So sorry for your loss. Jeff was my son’s swim instructor and made him feel safe in the water. His smile and work ethic will be missed at the Y.