Ted Johnson

Theodore J. (Ted) Johnson, age 82, of Crystal Lake passed away peacefully at home following a lengthy battle with esophageal cancer.

Preceded in death by his father Theodore O. Johnson, mother Gertrude M. Johnson, brother Paul J. Johnson, and Son-In-Law David Van Camp Sr., Ted was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lived his entire life in the Midwest among Milwaukee, Troy, Michigan, and notably Crystal Lake for the past 46 years.

Ted is survived by his wife Mary Johnson of 56 years, daughter Jill Van Camp of Crystal Lake, son Kevin Johnson of Milwaukee, grandchildren Zachary Van Camp of Middleton, WI, David Van Camp Jr. and Meghan Van Camp of Crystal Lake. Ted is further survived by his siblings Barbara Kropp (Wonder Lake, IL), Tom Johnson (New Berlin, WI), Nancy Carrick (Brookfield, WI), John Johnson (Milwaukee, WI) and Sister-In-Law Denise Johnson (Galesburg, MI) as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

Ted pursued his post-secondary studies at both Bellarmine University (Louisville, KY) and Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) before starting his career in Insurance, Banking and Finance that included various positions with national firms in Milwaukee, Detroit and Chicago. For the last 15-years of his career leading up to retirement, he was Controller for the Graphic Arts Studio in Barrington, IL.

Ted’s passions were to be serious and purposeful, while also being witty and sarcastic in everything he endeavored. Being social and an extrovert by nature, he was a renowned storyteller at gatherings (it was his most recognizable talent) and he always leveraged his industry acumen by giving advice to friends and family, warranted or not. His other hobbies and interests included his love of animals (dogs and cats), cooking, entertaining, music, boating, the news, game shows (where he would notoriously root against every contestant), sitcoms, luxury cars (especially Cadillacs), travel, and gardening/lawn care. 

Ted’s family would like to thank his amazing healthcare team led by his oncologist Dr. Thomas Weyburn at Advocate Aurora and JourneyCare Hospice of Crystal Lake/Barrington and the independent caregivers whose daily assistance was a godsend for his and his family’s well-being.

A celebration of life and reception immediately following will be held at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, Crystal Lake, on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 4-7 pm.

Ted loved flowers and would always give them to others, but his family requests that anyone wishing to make a tribute can donate to JourneyCare Hospice in lieu of flowers at www.journeycare.com/donate.