Elmer Leonard Johnson

Elmer Leonard (“Len”/”Lenny”) Johnson, 91, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on April 16, 2025, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI.

Born March 6, 1934 in Chicago, IL, the son of Elmer Johnson and Anne (Broderick) Johnson. in Chicago, IL, Len/Lenny grew up in the city and attended Senn High School. He spent his summers with his family at their cottage on the peaceful Pine Lake, WI, where he learned to water ski and acquired a love of trees and wildlife. Len/Lenny served two years in the United States Army after high school graduation, then got his first job at Sears which led to a career in credit management which ended at RR Donnelley in Chicago. He married Karen Lee Austin in 1960 and they raised three children together.

Len/Lenny nurtured his love of nature by building a cottage for his family with his own two hands and the help of friends on Pine Lake. In 1974, he and Karen moved their family to a 12-acre hobby farm north of Harvard, IL. The kids joined 4H to learn how to raise a variety of animals from Jersey dairy to Angus beef animals, horses, ducks and pigs. Their first beef animal was knighted Sir Loin and Lenny was known to hand feed the pigs bucketfuls of expired yogurt and cottage cheese. He set live traps for the woodchucks that tried to live under the barn then drove them miles away to set them free. Multiple bird feeders were kept filled and attracted a multitude of species that could be viewed from their kitchen window. Len/Lenny was quite handy and used his skills to fix up the hundred year old farmhouse, which had sinking floors and original windows, among other issues. While unforeseen circumstances meant they’d have to eventually give up the Pine Lake cottage, the Harvard property evolved into a sanctuary of its own thanks to the many trees Len/Lenny planted and cared for over the years. He enjoyed walking the property and spending quiet time on the bench beside the creek that flowed along the edge of their lot.

When Len/Lenny was 80, they sold the farm and moved to Elkhorn, WI. After his first stroke, they moved to The Terraces, a retirement community in Lake Geneva, WI. He lived at Golden Years in Lake Geneva the last five months of his life following a debilitating stroke. A painting of Pine Lake hung in his room, hopefully offering peace and fond memories. The family was comforted by the amazing, loving care he received from the staff at Golden Years.

Len/Lenny was devoted to his Christian Science faith and, in later years, was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels delivering meals to those in need until he was no longer able to drive.

Len/Lenny is survived by his wife Karen, three children: David (Susan) Johnson, Lynn (Keith Killips) Broderick and Mathew Johnson; four grandchildren: Drew, Kayla, Ethan and Carter. Len/Lenny was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ann; and his sister Judy.

The family is planning a private celebration of life to honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers please consider planting trees in memory of Len/Lenny through The Arbor Day Foundation or donating to National Audubon Society or the charity of your choice.

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Johnson family.