Darlene H. Johnson

Darlene Helen Johnson passed away on March 10, 2026, in Fort Myers, FL. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, IL, where friends and family may gather after 9 AM until the service. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena. She was born on October 5, 1934, in Galena, to Alfred L. and Gladys (Oldenburg) Green, who passed away before her. Darlene was married to Richard Werner in 1955 and later to Henry Johnson in 1973. She and Henry shared 40 years together, building a life centered on love, their extended family, and mutual support. They shared many interests, including the performing and visual arts, travel, reading, gardening, and cruising. They were also dedicated to helping others. Darlene served on the Mental Health Board, the Family Services Board, and was instrumental in starting the first Respite House in her area of Illinois. She and Henry were also involved with the Boy Scouts in Chicago, Misericordia (Merillac House), the University of Chicago, United Way, and historic preservation efforts. Darlene is survived by her beloved family, Pamela Werner Szponer of St Charles, IL; R. James Werner (Kathleen) of Hopkinton, MA; Nancy (Bill) Reif of Tempe, AZ; Martin (Barbara) Johnson of Glen Ellyn, IL; and Roy (Elizabeth) Johnson of Lindenhurst, IL. She also leaves behind eight grandsons, thirteen great-grandchildren, her brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Sammie Green of Fort Myers, Florida, as well as two nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Henry Johnson, her daughter, Kristine Marie Hunt, and her grandson, Michael Henry Werner. In place of flowers, memorials may be made to The Galena Foundation. The family would like to thank the staff at the Inn and the Lodge at Cypress Cove, Fort Myers, Florida, for their care, as well as VITAS Hospice Care for their support.