Frank L. Johnson Jr.

Frank L Johnson Jr., age 61, passed away on February 14, 2025.

He is survived by his loving wife, Denise Johnson; his two daughters, Kara (Tony) Johnson and Britti (Matt) Bodamer; granddaughter, Aria Bodamer; mother, Janet Johnson; siblings, Mark Johnson and Mary (Nick) Cardaras; numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Preceded in death by his father, Frank L Johnson Sr., father-in-law, Clarence (Jr.) Starkey, sister Theresa Long; grandparents, Annetta and Henry Johnson, and Frances and Virgil Britt.

Frank was born on March 16, 1963, in Elgin, IL. He graduated in 1981 from Morton High School in Hammond, IN. He then graduated from Purdue Calumet University with an associate degree in Architecture. He worked his way through school as a stock boy at Walgreens where he was later promoted to store manager and continued to work there for 40 years. He then moved on to become a manager at TA for one and a half years before becoming a store manager at Larsons where he was still working when he passed.

He met his wife Denise Starkey while working at Walgreens and they were married on June 6, 1987. They shared 38 years together as they raised their two daughters and cared for their nieces and nephews. They shared their home with many family members over the years, taking in anyone that needed a place to stay. He never turned anyone away. Frank and Denise spent most of their time the last few years in Wisconsin at their lake house. He loved the outdoors. He enjoyed a lot of days soaking up the sun on their boat, fishing off the dock, and kayaking trips with all of the kids in the family.

Frank’s passion was running. He ran track and cross country all the way through his life. Frank ran many marathons and other races over the years. He helped other people train and learn to love the sport like he did. He participated in the Chicago Marathon for many years. His proudest moment was finishing the Boston Marathon. Frank also ran his own race timing business called Action Sports Racing. He timed many 5ks throughout the community and put on his own races such as Beyond the Beach and Crossroads Marathon.

Frank was a wonderful and loving husband, son, father, brother, grandpa (Pops), uncle and friend that will be greatly missed by all of those that loved him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hillside Funeral & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Road) Highland, IN. Funeral Services will follow
immediately after visitation.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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