Willard Samuel Johnson, Jr., 97, a resident of Chicago, IL, died peacefully on August 5, 2025. He was born on September 21, 1927 in Chicago, IL.

Willard grew up in the Sauganash neighborhood of Chicago, where he made many lifelong friendships.  He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan near the end of World War II.  During his time in Japan, he was a member of General Douglas MacArthur's Honor Guard.  He remained proud of this service his entire life.  After military service, he attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, and received a degree in electrical engineering.

Soon after college, Willard met his devoted wife Edith Kuehn, and they were married in 1954.  Their marriage lasted until Edith's death in 2019.

Willard worked with his father and brother at the Willard Graphics Company in Chicago and later ran the company until he retired in 2000.  We always thought that Willard's love for photography was due to being involved in the graphic arts, but his brother Donald said it was due to his time in Japan when he was in the Army. He brought back many cameras and continued to upgrade his collection throughout his life. He was also a gifted artist, and spent many hours cartooning, doodling, sketching and painting.

Willard's mother, Ione, was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which influenced Willard's enrollment at Michigan Tech.  The UP was his one love for vacationing, and he spent time every summer of his youth in its rustic beauty.  After his marriage, Willard continued this tradition for his family, and he purchased a log cabin on the shores of Lake Superior so that his children could also share his love of the UP.

Willard and Edith had a love for dance and took dance lessons for many years with a group of friends.  Willard was also an avid tennis player and golfer, and enjoyed staying active.

He is survived by his sons Eric (Bettina) and Kurt (Michelle); his brothers Donald (Jane) and Philip (the late Sally); his sister Mary; his grandchildren Adeline, Sarah (Asaf Davidov), Zachary, Victor, Kyle and Derek; his great-grandchildren Delilah and Jordan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Edith (Kuehn); father Willard S., Sr.; mother, Ione (DesMarais); his daughter Kristin (Louis Delpierre); and his sister Janet (Tom Manniko).

Per the family's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  On Saturday August 30, 2025, Willard's ashes will be interred at Lakeview Cemetery, Calumet, Michigan, next to his wife Edith and daughter Kristin. Hultgren Funeral Home of Wheaton, Illinois is handling the arrangements.

A memorial visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton,  from  4:00 p.m. until 6:30p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027. Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.