Obituary

Joanne Nadine Johnson, 73, of Rockford passed away Friday, August 28, 2026. She was born April 16, 1953 in Rockford, the daughter of John W. "Bill" and Nadine C. (Piske) Sahlstrom. She was a graduate of Stillman Valley High School in 1971 and Northern Illinois University in 1975 with a major in Home Economics and a minor in interior design. Joanne married Thomas E. Johnson in 1984. She worked as an assistant school librarian and then later a buyer for Rockford ToolCraft. Joanne was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Outreach Committee, and an active volunteer and coordinator for Katie's Cup.

In Joanne's youth her family moved from Rockford to Stillman Valley. There she enjoyed her newfound friends; being in poms, potlucks, and riding her horse Sandy near the banks of Kilbuck Creek by her home. Through the years Joanne found many hobbies: golf, arts and crafts, gardening, and travel. She loved entertaining, a pleasant host she put everyone at ease with her warm reception and tasteful meals.

Joanne loved sports, especially football and baseball. She watched any ball game she could find. She loved watching her sons and grandkids play. In later years, if she could not make a game, she would watch from home. The grandkids always knew Grandma was cheering them on.

Aside from work, being a loving and caring Mom, Wife, and Grandma, Joanne kept her home well decorated with her gift of interior design and seasonal décor. Her heart was for her family. She enjoyed any amount of time she could spend with someone close. She considered her friends family as well, many going back to high school age.

Joanne was a constant foundation for her family, always giving support, love, and sound advice. Her kind, strong presence will always remain in our hearts.

Survived by her son, Jarrod Knoll; stepsons, Brad (Pam) Johnson, and David Johnson; grandchildren, Brayden, Larkin, and Dustin Knoll, and Kendall and Karmen Knoll; step-grandchildren, Ben, Alex and Eric (fiancée Claudia Aleman) Johnson, Kate (Zach) Schussel and Becka Eckert; great grandchildren, Olivia and Mia Schussel; brother, Jim (Brenda) Sahlstrom; and nieces, Brooke (Joel) Seeger and Brigette Sahlstrom. Predeceased by her husband, Thomas Johnson; son, Ryan Knoll; parents, Bill and Nadine Sahlstrom; and step-daughter, Christine K. Johnson.

Memorial service will take place Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Olson Funeral Home, Three Oaks Chapel, 1100 N. Lyford Rd. Rockford. Celebration of Life will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Legacy Life Celebration Center, 1100 N. Lyford Rd. Memorials may be made to Katie's Cup, 502 7th Street, Rockford, IL 61104. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.co