Melvin E. Johnson, a resident of Carol Stream, IL, passed onto his eternal home on Monday, June 18th early in the morning. He was three weeks from his 92 birthday.

Born in Laporte, IN on July 9 in 1926, Mel was the youngest of 5 (Gilbert, Bernice, Raymond, Alvera). At the age of two, the family moved to Michigan City when Mel attended school through grade 12. Mel worked during summer vacations with his father (a professional carpenter) and picked up many skills that he used for throughout his life in helping everyone with a wide variety of handyman tasks.

Mel attended Wheaton College as a biology major. After graduating, he took a job at Wheaton Academy, wearing many different hats, including (but not limited to): boy's dorm parent, biology teacher, headmaster, bus driver, et al. He shared his love of God's creation with his students, who saw him as more than just a teacher, but a mentor, role model, and a true example of Christ's love here on earth. During his time at Wheaton Academy, he met (and married in 1951) Mary Joyce Giles, who was the girl's physical education teacher and girl's dorm parent. After 12 years at Wheaton Academy and two sons, Mel left the Academy to work in District 214 (Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Elk Grove, and Forest View high schools) where he taught a wide range of science classes including biology, zoology, and horticulture. He also taught evening education classes at Trinity for many years.

In 1958, Mel and his dad built the cottage in southwestern Michigan. The cottage became a place of great memories for not just our family, but also for their Sunday School class, friends, and extended family. His 'Japanese Garden' with its many ponds, water lilies, and statuary is a legend that will live on in stories that are passed from generation to generation.

Over the course of several decades, Mel and Joyce purchased several houses adjacent to their Wheaton house. They were 'multi-family' units and they opened them up to those who needed inexpensive housing. It became known as 'Johnsonville'. In addition, they provided Mel with a never-ending supply of handyman projects. The tenants were more than just renters…they became part of the family, often having picnics, potlucks, and Christmas parties together.

Mel retired in 1988. This provided him with the time to go on multiple mission trips to utilize his many handyman skills. Mission trips included those to Arizona, Scotland, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Germany. He was also now able to focus more directly on the multiple houses and their multitudinous projects.

In 2006, Mel and Joyce sold their 'homestead' in downtown Wheaton to move to Windsor Park Retirement Home. It was always obvious which location was theirs…the ornate gardens, very complex Christmas decorations, window flower boxes, etc.

Mel is survived by his wife (Joyce) of 67 years, two sons-Doug (Cheryl) of Arvada, Colorado, and Steve (Brenda) of Wheaton, Illinois, and five grandchildren – Katelyn, Krista, Soren, Kendra, and Scott, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mel is also survived by his legacy of living a life of sacrifice and service to others in the name of Christ. While he may be physically absent from this earth, his fingerprints (and mule marks) will live on…

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wheaton Academy Atrium . A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Compass Church Wheaton Campus . Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Mel Johnson Memorial Fund, C/O Wheaton Academy , 500 Prince Crossing Road, West Chicago, IL  60185.