Natalie Johnson

Natalie Johnson -- Bourbonnais Natalie "Nat" A. Johnson, 78, of Bourbonnais, died peacefully Monday (June 5, 2006) at Merkle Knipprath Countryside, Clifton, surrounded by her family. She was born Aug. 24, 1927, in Humboldt, Kan., to the late Nathaniel and Frances McKenzie Armel. She was married to Harlan "Johnnie" Johnson on Jan. 20, 1944, at St. Joseph Church in Humboldt. He died April 2, 1995. Natalie was a member of St. Teresa Church CCW, volunteered for the American Red Cross and Riverside Auxiliary Hawthorne Twig. She was a member of Kankakee Woman's Club, the Elks Ladies' Golf League and several ladies' bridge clubs. Nat's interests included golfing, reading, music and bridge (especially when she won the top prize of 75 cents). Her family and friends were important to her and she was never too busy for a chat on the phone or to simply sit with one grandchild or another and watch one of the Chicago sports teams (She really had no choice!) She, however, personally preferred watching golf, "The Nanny" or "Wheel of Fortune." Nat and Johnnie loved to travel -- Florida, Arizona and Wyoming (to visit their favorite son and family). Natalie took great pride in her family. She loved Humboldt, Kan., where she grew up, and took many trips back to visit. She attended her class reunion in October 2004, and was heard to say "They all look so old -- how sad!" She then looked at her sister, Gloria, who was also there, and said, "Isn't getting old a funny thing -- it only seems to happen to other people." Natalie will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity and her zest for living. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Terry A. and Delrayne "Del" Johnson of Casper, Wyo.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Don Trudeau, and Beth and George Arocha, all of Kankakee; Also surviving are one sister and brother-in-law, Gloria and Jake Benz of Perry, Ohio; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Virginia Armel, Larry and Joanne Armel, all of Leawood, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Jeff, Chris and Adam Trudeau, Sarah Cheezum, Ann Lonigro, Patrick Johnson and Michael Arocha; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Teresa Church in Kankakee. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Teresa Church, 333 St. Joseph Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901.

Natalie Johnson

August 24, 1927 - June 5, 2006