Eleanor "Ellie" D. Johnson

Eleanor “Ellie” D. (Fuller) Johnson, 95, of Geneseo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at her home.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at First Congregational Church, Geneseo, IL.  Reverend Linda Hunsaker will officiate.  Burial will follow at the Orion Lutheran Cemetery, Orion, IL.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church, 319 S. State Street, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

Born on October 11, 1929, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Dorothy (Bartels) Fuller and Otto Fuller, Eleanor lived a life filled with love, dedication, and community service. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class at a rural Sherrard school.  Ellie spent her early years in Rock Island County before settling in rural Geneseo for 54 years. On January 3, 1954, she married E. Hugo Johnson, Jr. at the Church of Peace in Rock Island. They shared 45 years of marriage until Hugo’s passing on October 12, 1999. Eleanor’s professional life included work at Roth Pump Company in Milan, Illinois, followed by a 26-year career at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, where she served in dietary, housekeeping, and payroll roles until her retirement in 1998. Her commitment to her community shone through her volunteer work, including over 40 years assisting with Munson Township books, treasurer at the Henry County Fair, and serving as treasurer and pie baker for the women’s guild at First Congregational Church in Geneseo, where she was an active member.

A woman of many talents, Ellie found joy in baking, cooking, gardening, and nurturing her beloved flowers. She also enjoyed bowling and traveling with the Classic Club of Geneseo, which brought her laughter and camaraderie with friends. Eleanor’s warmth, generosity, and steadfast dedication to her family, friends, and community will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and service that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Michael Johnson Sr. of Orion, Terry Johnson of Milan, Cynthia Frisk of Geneseo, Judith  (Wayne) Douglass of Atkinson, John O. Johnson of Geneseo, and Juliana (Brent) McDaniel of Milan; grandsons, Nicholas Frisk, Matthew (Rebekah) Frisk, Michael Johnson, Jr, James Douglass, Eric (Samantha Manon) Douglass, Chris Frisk, and Jason (Julie) Frisk; and great-grandchildren, Miranda, Madelyn, Maverick, Maggie, Kelly, and Robert.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Otto Fuller; husband, E. Hugo Johnson, Jr.; son-in-law, Gary Frisk; sister, Bernice Swanson; and brother, Otto Fuller, Jr.