Carl grew up in rural Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois. After high school, Carl served in the United States Air Force, beginning at Lackland AFB in Texas; he was later stationed in New York and Pennsylvania.
When Carl returned to Central Illinois he met the love of his life, Jannette “Jan” Augsburger. They wed June 29, 1963. Jan preceded him in death in 2014.
Together, Carl and Jan started a family and a life of farming. They moved to rural Elmwood, Illinois in the early 70’s and had been farming there ever since. During his early years of farming Carl also worked 2nd shift at Pabst Brewing Company in Peoria Heights, Illinois, as a fork truck operator until Pabst closed in 1982. On the farm he raised row crops, cattle, hogs, sheep, and chickens. He drove tractors late into life, spending many hours hauling grains to the elevator, tilling, planting, cultivating and more. The Oliver 1750 tractor was one of his favorites.
Carl was a big-hearted and proud man who worked hard, loved his family dearly and never knew a stranger. From waitresses, healthcare workers, and fellow farmers to the next person in line at the grocery store, he loved meeting people and sharing stories. He really took time to know people. When he wasn’t farming, Carl would spend time with family and friends eating out—breakfast was his favorite—, going to tractor pulls and farm sales, playing cards, fishing, and watching NASCAR and NFL. He especially enjoyed spending time with grandkids on the farm. It should be noted that everyone in Carl’s life can attest to his ornery nature. It was often he let out a chuckle and flashed a grin after sharing a silly story, telling a joke, or playing a little joke on someone else. In his spare time Carl enjoyed working on machinery, fishing, woodworking, and working Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
In addition to his wife and parents, Carl was preceded in death by his adult son Michael Johnson.
Survivors include his brother Bill (Shirley) Johnson of Hanna City, Illinois; brother Sam ( Judi) of Peoria, Illinois; sister Judy (Charlie) of Ozark, Arkansas; sister-in-law Shirley (the late Melvin) of Pesotum, Illinois; sister-in-law Phyllis (Don) of Philo, Illinois; son, Scott ( Ginger) Johnson of Farmington, Illinois; his daughter Susan (Larry) Sherwood of Elmwood, Illinois; grandchildren Ashley (Les) Burke, Benjamin Johnson, Hillary Johnson, Tiffany Johnson, and Blake Johnson; companion Ruth Rusch (and daughter Sheridan); and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the care teams at The Village at Farmington and Willow Ridge Hospice.
A funeral service will be held at Anderson-Sedgewick Funeral Home in Farmington, Illinois on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning 2 hours prior. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/centralillinois). A private family burial will follow. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
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