Donnie M. Johnson, 75, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, died Tuesday, November 8, 2011 in his home surrounded by his family, following a long illness. He was born May 29, 1936 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Noel and Pearl (Olson) Johnson. Donnie is a graduate of East High School. He worked as a machinist for Sundstrand Corporation and livestock and grain farmer. Donnie married Beverly A. Lersch in Rockford on February 25, 1956. Donnie was a member of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Coon Creek Casters, the Moose Club, the Vintage Antique Tractor Club, Pheasants Forever and the Boone County Farm Bureau. Donnie served on the Boone County Zoning Board. Donnie is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Poplar Grove; five children, Gwen (Ronald) McCormick, of Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin, twins, Bindy Johnson, Poplar Grove, and Mindy (Scott) Peterson of Belvidere; Mark Johnson, Durand, Illinois, and Theresa (Ed) Gustafson, Rockford, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Tracy and Nathan McCormick; Shane and Aaron Johnson; Eric, Kyle and Kirsten Gustafson; four great-grandchildren, Mitchell, Mason and Khovel McCormick, Alysiah Gustafson; ten siblings, Lois, Bob (C.J.), Mary, Marge, Phyllis, Janice (Steve), Stan (Marilyn), Dorothy, Tom and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ardis Baxter; two brother-in-laws, Wes Peacock and Chuck Baxter and two nieces, Penny and Marcie, and two nephews, Kelly Baxter and Steve Holt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Boone County Council on Aging in his name.