Gordon Bruce (“Gordie”) Johnson

March 24, 1949 – June 21, 2026

Gordon Bruce “Gordie” Johnson passed away on June 21, 2026, at his home in Gold Canyon, Arizona. He was born on March 24, 1949, in Sandwich, Illinois, to Marvin Johnson and Helen (Anderson) Johnson.

He graduated from Newark High School in 1967. He was a member of the Newark High School basketball team and was inducted into the Newark High School Hall of Fame in 2007.

Gordie was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1969. He served in Vietnam for four months and fourteen days before being seriously wounded. He was sent to a hospital in Japan and then transferred to Fitzsimons Hospital in Denver, Colorado, where he spent a year recovering and rehabilitating. He was honorably discharged and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Gordie loved his country and was proud to serve. He was a true patriot.

After returning home, he worked for Caterpillar in Montgomery, Illinois, retiring in 1999 after 35 years of employment.

Gordie was a member of the Moose Lodge in Sandwich, Illinois; American Legion Post 27 in Apache Junction, Arizona; and a Lifetime Member of VFW Post 7968 in Apache Junction. He was very involved with the VFW, always donating his time and goods to raise money for veterans. He also played Santa every Christmas for the children and grandchildren of Post members and could always be found at bingo on Tuesdays and Fridays.

He was an avid golfer and bowler, participating in numerous leagues over the years. He was a devoted NASCAR and Xfinity Series fan and always rooted for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was well known for Gordie’s Grand Prix in Sandwich as part of the Fourth of July celebrations. In 2002, he received an Appreciation Award for his 21 years of coordinating that event. He was heavily involved in the Sandwich T-Ball Association and enjoyed coaching softball/baseball and spending Saturday mornings at youth bowling leagues. He loved to dance, and there wasn’t a country song he didn’t like.

Gordie is survived by his children, Ryan (Tracy) Johnson, Jeff (Jennifer) Johnson, and Stacey Johnson; his life partner, Judy Hassinger; his two grandchildren, Abigail and Matthew Johnson; his brother, Wayne (Vicki) Johnson; and his sisters, Kay (Johnson) Estensen and Marcia (Floyd) Nagel. He is also survived by a special nephew, Peter (Erika) Johnson; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his canine partner in crime, Missy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Johnson.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Sandwich Moose on August 29^th from 1-5 pm and then also one in Arizona at a later date.