A popular and well-known physician who practiced family medicine in Galesburg for nearly 30 years has died.
Dr. Gene E. Johnson passed away Wednesday, April 2 at Seminary Village in Galesburg. He was 96.
Johnson was invited to work at the Galesburg Clinic beginning in January 1965, and was accepted as a partner. His practice included obstetrics, surgery, and treating patients of all ages. He was active in the Knox County Medical Society and served a term as president. He also served a term as chief of staff at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Obituary: Dr. Gene E. Johnson – January 12, 1929 ~ April 2, 2025
Dr. Gene, as he was often called, retired from the Galesburg Clinic in 1994.
Born on January 12, 1929, in Sheridan, Wyoming, Johnson was an Eagle Scout and valedictorian of Sheridan High School’s Class of 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, where his aspiration to become a medical missionary took root. After earning degrees in science and theology from the University of Oregon and Northwest Christian College, he married Sue Hahn—captivated by her singing voice—and pursued his medical degree at Indiana University, graduating sixth in his class in 1954.
Dr. Johnson’s career began in the remote villages of the Belgian Congo, where he served as a missionary doctor starting in 1957. As the sole physician in a hospital near the equator, he managed everything from surgeries to maintaining generators and vehicles.
An accomplished pilot, Johnson had 3,000 hours of private flying time.
In retirement he and his wife Sue traveled extensively. They visited all 50 states and more than 50 foreign countries on all 7 continents. They were enthusiastic birders, recording a list of 2,850 species they had observed together. They also enjoyed scuba diving and riding a tandem bicycle, their favorite exercise for more than 35 years.
Dr. Johnson is survived by his wife Sue Johnson, their three children, Ralph Johnson (Faith) of Madison, Wisconsin, Ronald Johnson (Cindy) of Durham, North Carolina, and Carol Johnson of Ithaca, New York, and by 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be planned for later this spring/summer.
According to his obituary, Dr. Gene said soon after entering hospice care, “I know there will be tears and people will miss me, but that’s OK. I’m very satisfied with the life I’ve had. It’s been a wonderful life.”
