B. LaVerne Johnson, 81, of Belvidere, died Sunday, July 30, 2006 in O. S. F. St. Anthony Medical Center from complications of a stroke. He was born March 15, 1925 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Elmer and Anna (Flood) Johnson. He was married to Nancy Jukes in Belvidere on November 30, 1946. He initially was a farmer, he then became an Engineer for Barber Colman Co. for 18 years before becoming a Training Instructor for Ingersoll Milling Machine Co. for 12-1/2 years before retiring. He is a member of First United Methodist Church, Belvidere. He was an Usher for many years and on various committees over the years. LaVerne is a graduate of Belvidere High School, Class of 1943. Music was a big part of his life. He started playing in a dance band at age 14, playing banjo and guitar. He also sang in quartets and the church choir. LaVerne played with various area bands including the Serenaders and Rhythm Kings. His other pursuits included the outdoors, fishing and hunting. His survivors include, Wife, Nancy, Belvidere; a daughter, Melody (Terry) Schrader, Belvidere; a son, Barry (Emily) Johnson, LaCrosse, Wis.; a granddaughter, Rhonda Schrader, Hudson, Wis.; two grandsons, Brad (Ruth) Schrader, Oconomowoc, Wis.; Kai Johnson, LaCrosse, Wis.; two great-grandsons, Timothy and Matthew Schrader. LaVerne is predeceased by his parents, four sisters, Irene Anderson; Evalyn Hyde; Genevieve Sherman; Lorna Setzke; and a brother, Clif Johnson.

Memorials to First United Methodist Church