Douglas Johnson Obituary

I learned Dr Johnson passed away yesterday from my Lawyer and still in shock. He was best Doctor that he save me. I will never forget him as wonderful man.

Thinking of you DLJ! xoxo

Just learned of Dr. Johnson's death and so saddened. He was my surgeon in the latter 1990's. To this day, I have always appreciated his dedication and sense of humor. He got me walking again and I will never forget that. May he rest in peace.

So Doug has been gone for a little more than a year and today's is his birthday. I met Doug as he was pursuing his Ph.D. and I was fortunate that the chose to work in my lab. He was a brilliant, energetic, and focused student and did superb work and not surprisingly, he continued that high standard throughout his professional life. In addition, he was exhibit excellence in his personal life, husband, father, son, brother and friend. Meeting Doug and maintaining the connection over 35 years was a high point in my life. As his loss will always be felt, gratitude for his life that enriched and touched so many will also be permanently appreciated. Miss you, Doug

I am sad to hear of Doug's passing and think of him often. He provided encouragement and guidance when it was most welcome. I valued his friendship but don't think I ever told him that. May he rest in peace knowing that he has left a wonderful legacy.

Dr. Johnson was a wonderful surgeon and very kind hearted man. He treated his patients with respect, dignity and a truly gifted surgical precision. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him and grateful for his skilled hands in the surgery he performed on my spine. May all be comforted in knowing how truly loved this man was and ever shall be. And may your family be wrapped in God's loving arms. Thank you Dr. Johnson for everything.

Dr. Johnson was a remarkable man and a very skilled surgeon. We will forever be grateful for the back surgery he performed on my husband' back. We thought so highly of him and trusted him with his life and our future, that we went outside of our insurance coverage just to have him perform the surgery. Our prayers are with you and your family. His legacy will certainly live on in all of the lives he touched and healed. God be with you.

Late 2009, Dr. Johnson gave me a crash course in neurosurgery with regard to my spinal cord tumor. Set me on a path that ultimately saved my life. I would call his office if/when I was to give a testimony or share my story to let him know his ears would be burning because I was about to talk about him, AGAIN! All good stuff, even though he would joke it wasn't. I will never forget Dr. Johnson and smile fondly when I think of him. My condolences to his family, friends, patients and men who served with him. He is a Hero and Patriot. Wow did Heaven just get alot smarter with his enlistment!! Fondly, Melissa

I will always remember Dr. Johnson, especially after the successful lumbar fusion he performed on me. We were in his office and he started to pull out the staples, I turned white almost passing out, he was right there to catch me, all 256lbs of dead weight....Dr. Johnson was that kinda of person, always there to lend a helping hand. My condolensces to the family & friends.

Gifted,fun,ambitious,and humble describes Doug well. He was a day brightener throughout our school years. Our parents were good friends, and I will treasure the experiences I had with Doug, from piano contests, to social events, movies, and just plain fun. Prayers, love, and fondest memories to you all.

I know Dr. Johnson through treatment and follow-up over a couple of years of nerve recovery. There simply wasn't anyone like him...not just as a doctor, as I knew him, but as a human being. I thought of him as a father because his words and compassion reminded me so much of how my dad would help support me through the tough times. He was truly an inspiration and helped greatly with my recovery. I am deeply saddened that he is gone, but am grateful that we crossed paths in life. What a great and inspirational man. My deepest sympathies to Beth and his family. I could tell that he was a great father and husband.

R.I.P. Dr.Johnson, You saved my life.What a great man on earth you were. Love to you'r family at this time. You will be missed.

I am deeply saddened by Doug's passing. We knew each other from almost "the beginning," through high school, then again made brief contact when he returned from Iraq. I knew him to be thoughtful, energetic and talented in so many ways, always ready for the next challenge. May good memories provide comfort during this time of great loss.

My condolences to you on the death of Dr. Douglas Johnson. I am a radiologist and knew Doug professionally as a kind and thoughful person. My sympathy to you. Ruth G Ramsey, MD

Just sitting here thinking of the good times and how much Dr. Johnson taught me and made me smile. Thank you DLJ!

I am so sorry to hear about Doug. We were good High School friends and I have many fond memories of him. I hope all of your wonderful memories sustain you during this sad time.

Doug and I sat near each other in many high school classes. His last name started with a J, mine with an H so we got to know each other quite well. He was always lots of fun and a great guy! My sympathy to his family.

Doug was my neighbor, friend, and classmate growing up in Hutchinson, Minnesota. I remember Doug as bright,fun loving,and incredibly musically talented with a great, great family. Reading these remembrances, I can see he did wonderful things with his life. My sincere condolences to Dori, Lenny, Gary and his entire family.

"May God be with his family and friends." He was a Great person, and awesome Doctor. "He saved my Life," and I will always remember him and Laura. God Bless everyone who knew him! He will be missed! Kim Popov & Charles Popov

I knew him when I worked at Central Dupage before he went into the service. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He had the whole package; knowlege, expertise and compassion. I will miss him. The world has truly lost a wonderful, gifted human being. My heart felt condolences to you all.

Beth,
I don't know if you remember me, but Cliff and I were in Doug's class in med school. We are so sad to hear this news.
I'll always remember Doug as an extremely kind & gentle presence, and it is clear from looking at these notes that he had remarkable impact on many people's lives. I'm not surprised.
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. My prayers go out to you and your family. I remember how excited Norma would get anticipating your families arriveal to visit in Winfred.

As a physical therapist, I had the honor and privilege of watching Dr. Johnson's patients regain their physical abilities as a direct response to the skill and care he provided to them. To a person, they all spoke so well of him; not only of his skill as a surgeon, but of his sincerity, compassion, and service. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. He was a great man and an inspiration to so many. My God bless and comfort the Johnson family.

Dr. Johnson was first, my brother's surgeon and when my 80 year old dad needed nearly the same surgery, we knew we had to have Dr. Johnson. He was warm, calming, professional and of course, he worked wonders! God love you Dr. Johnson - our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I've been a neuro nurse at CDH for the past seven years, and had the pleasure of caring for many of Dr. Johnson's patients. When I started as a new grad, one of the more experienced nurses told me he was a Marine, and that I better know what I was doing if I had one of his patients. I was so intimidated, I could hardly speak the first time I met him, but it didn't take long for me to build a tremendous respect for him. He made me a better nurse in more ways than I can even count. I looked forward to his rounds because I always seemed to learn something new when he and Laura came to the floor. Please know that so many of us in the CDH family are mourning with you. We have lost a great surgeon, and a great man.

When I first started scrubbing in the operating room, Doctor Johnson took time and helped me learn how to scrub in on Neuro procedures. He was an awesome surgeon, and a wonderful man. Please allow me to express my deepest sympathy to your family. I carry his training with me to this day. He lives on through the people he loved, offered his friendship, and the people he served.
May you all find peace in knowing how much he cared. God Bless
Karrie Burt

Interurban Neurosurgical Society will greatly miss Dr. Johnson at our yearly meeting which he certainly enjoyed

Incredible compassion, devotion, and perfection were my first impressions of this great neurosurgeon. A great nurse and friend of mine referred me to this gentle and caring man when I needed his professional help the most. He led every step of the way with utmost confidence and guidance through my surgical procedure. He was truly a talented and gifted man who God gave to us for such a short time, but the miracles he worked were wondrous. He is now back with God helping him in heaven, but will never be forgotten for those of us still here on earth. My deepest condolences to the Johnson family and my appreciation for sharing him to those who needed his miracles. He will be dearly missed. God Bless all of you.

My deepest sympathies to the Johnson family. I was devastated to learn that this wonderful human being passed away. Dr. Johnson assisted me on some of my more difficult cases in the work comp arena. I am truly grateful, along with my clients that he treated. He will be truly missed. Thank you for your service to this great Country and my God Bless you and your family. I am honored to have known you. Until we meet again with Jesus Christ.

I was so saddened today to hear that Dr. Johnson had passed away. I am a nurse at the University of Chicago and had the pleasure of working with him in surgery. He was a wonderful person and great surgeon.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Marta Sonderberg

My prayers go out to the Johnson family. I am devastated at hearing the news of the loss of a wonderful surgeon and human being. Dr. Johnson assisted me with many difficult cases, daring to do an off label procedure for a client who trusted in him. The client did beautifully thanks to his knowledge and expertise. A personal friend of ours had a great success story as well. You will truly be missed. I am honored to have known you, Dr. Johnson. Thank you for your service to this great Country and God Bless you and your family.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dr Johnson change my life for the better I was lucky to have him as my surgeon. From the moment I meet him I knew I was in good hands.

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE JOHNSON FAMILY. I DID'NT KNOW HIM,BUT I HEARD SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM. MAY GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY

Dr. Johnson saved my life in 1997 when he operated on me. He was kind, caring and extraordinarily competent. He will be missed. My prayers are with the family and all of those who loved him.

I firxt am sorry for your loss. I am happy I had the honor to work with Dr. Johnson for many years first at Glen Ellyn. Clinic and then DPNS. How fortunate for me to have met such an inspiring man. Thank you Dr Johnson for all you did for me! I am at a loss for words at this moment. Love and prayers to Dr Beth Abi Max and Scout. Fearless leader he was

My deepest sympathy to the Johnson family. I had back surgery 2 years ago by Dr. Johnson. He not only was my surgeon with great success he made me feel like he was my friend and really cared. Prays are with his family and friends. He will be miss.

My sincerest sympathies to the Johnson family. May you be comforted by the many happy memories that you've shared. God bless.

Dr. Beth, Abby and Max:

I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Johnson was loved and admired by so many people. He taught me so much while working for him and being a part of his practice was truly a wonderful experience. All of you will be in thoughts and prayers.

I was meeting with Dr. Crystal
Ottoman when Doug's name came into the conversation. She gave me a strange look and told me of his death the previous day. The news took my breath away. Doug was a great doctor and a super human being. He accomplished miracles on my spine injuries making it possible for me to walk and participate in life. Thank you, Doug. May God bless you as He welcomes you home.

My thoughts and prayers for family and friends of Dr. Johnson. I will be eternally grateful to him for saving my sister's life 15 years ago and bringing her back to us. The darkest day of my life was when I thought I would lose my sister and it was because of Dr. Johnson and the miracle of what he was able to do that prevented my family from a devastating loss. As his family and friends endure the pain of losing a loved one, I hope it provides some comfort to know how many lives were changed for the better and in my case saved from devastation by a truly gifted man.

My name is Colleen Hughes and 15 years ago today I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm. I was 23. Dr. Johnson not only saved my life, he gave comfort to my family. He is my hero. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and anyone who ever met this great Doctor. Great man. Rest in peace.

Beth, Max and Abby: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

Jim Chesney
Shirley Robinson

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Johnson while a PACU RN. I had the misfortune of needing back surgery after being injured at work. There was no doubt about the person I wanted taking care of me. I am happy to say I have not needed his services since. Every time I do something that I couldn't do before, I fondly remember him. The quality of life I have today is greatly due to his skilled hands. Thank you for this and God Bless. Rest in Peace.

I had the honor of meeting Dr. Johnson in 2008. After being in a bad car accident and falling down a flight of stairs, I started losing feeling in my left leg and foot. Dr. Johnson and Laura Guzman helped me so much with my surgery and post-operative care.

Then, after a former co-worker's wife, Marian, had a brain aneurysm with the rare locked-in syndrome, Dr. Johnson and Laura were instrumental in having her moved up from a hospital in Florida to the Rehabilitation Institution of Chicago.

Dr. Johnson was one of the kindest, most wonderful people I've ever known. He is what every patient ever wanted. He had a great bedside manner with his patients and demanded excellence in the operating room. I'm forever grateful for what he did for me and the people I know. His death is a real loss. My deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones and other friends.

Even tho your residency at u of c was brutal, you were always a great guy to work with. Doug, I don't ever remember you getting mad. When my brother started having spine issues, I sent him to you without hesitation. We thought you were nuts when you went active after 911.... But your old colleagues at o of c were very proud. I will always think of you with fondness. God bless you and you family.....

15 years ago today, June 3, 1998, my youngest sister had a ruptured brain aneurysm and ended up at CDH. That is the day I met Dr. Johnson. I will never forget him describing how serious her condition was and how surprised he was that she actually was still walking and talking. He was describing the surgery he was going to perform and I felt myself drifting off, like I was going to faint. The next thing I knew, there was a strong hand on my shoulder. It was his hand. I remember thinking that his strong hand would be the hand that would save my sister's life . . and it was. He saved her life on June 4, 1998, and I am forever grateful to him. My sister calls him every year to thank him for saving her life, and she was looking online to verify that she had the correct phone number when she found out about his passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends. My family will pray for you, and are forever grateful for him coming into our lives and saving our Colleen. God Bless.

I had the honor of serving with the Capt at the 25th Marine Regiment a few years back. I will always remember his guidance, leadership and gentle demeanor. Every drill weekend he greeted everyone he saw at he unit with a firm handshake and a warm smile. Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.

Dear Beth, Max and Abi,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Doug had the special gift of enriching the life of the people he came in contact with by just being him. He will remain in our hearts as a compassionate, generous, gifted, and loving man.
He will be missed and mostly remembered in a very special way.

May you experience God's comfort as you feel His loving arms around you during this difficult time.

Sometimes the moment you meet someone you know you are going to be friends.
It was that way for me the first day Doug walked into my Karate class.
Nobody worked harder,or was more patient with others in the class than he.
Doug's face and smiling eyes are forever burned into my memory.
While it is indeed painful,and such a tragic loss to lose him here among us,I have to believe he is still healing,helping,and teaching others on the other side.
I will miss you my friend,
Sincerely Edward Brien

I am lucky to have happened upon Dr. J when I was broadly and frantically searching back in '94. What sold me then was confidence, sincerity, and his insistence of the worth of my opinion and knowledge. And a gut feeling. 3 operations over 15 years, and other corresponding follow-up care, I know I was right. When I needed work and he was still overseas, I shopped around, and then waited for him. When later, a clown came around a corner in my lane, he was the first and only I went to. And now I hope to God I don't ever need a replacement; a person doesn't always get so lucky twice! What truly impressed me with him, and his staff, especially later with his sidekick Laura, was the interest of me as a person, how my health functioned in my lifestyle, what else was happening. We had a strong respect for each other. Stronger still, once we shared both being Veterans. It was not uncommon for my visit with him, or Laura, to be only 40% or so medical. That long as a client, you become friends too. He seemed to enjoy this.

I did go to the visitation, but just could not stay long enough. I would have truly liked a chance to salute him one last time.

Dr. J,
SaLute!

Dr. Johnson performed two very successful spine surgeries on me. He was a great doctor. Being a locomotive engineer he never failed to tell me each time I saw him that when he ran and the train went by he always looked up to see if it was me in the drivers seat. He will be missed. Our prayers are with his family.

To Dr. Johnson's famly : My family's deepest sympathys upon his passing and our deepest condolences. I too was under his care in 2009 and still recall walking into Dr. Laura and Johnson's office on Gary Ave. and seeing that wonderful Marine flag. Fast forward to March of 2013 and a second Neuro operation when in my hospital room a visit from Dr. Johnson and Dr. Laura. Dr. Johnson told me to keep my faith strong and my recovery determined. I told him also the same for himself, we shook hands and I felt so peaceful with that interaction. Just as you told me 2009 and 2013 I will follow your doctors orders. God bless.

We met Doug at a Karate class and knew he had a heart of gold from the first move. He was always focused, yet smiling. May you find some peace and know that your hero will be missed, and forever remembered.

We often remember individuals by a single act or defining moment. For me that was Doug's courage, and demonstrated love of country, during his deployment to Iraq. He certainly did "walk the talk".
Gerry Maida, MD

Thank You for all you did for my husband. May you rest in peace.

Because of Dr. Johnson I am walking today. Not just a great Doctor, but a terrific guy as well. He will very much be missed!

CAPT Johnson was a motivator and a mentor to all of us who served as surgeons to the 4th Marine Division. He sacrificed his personal time aside from his busy practice to provide advise, solve problems, and assisted with medical planning for the US Navy. We will miss him greatly and am sorry I cannot attend his funeral due to travel constraints. Rest in Peace, Sir!

Dr. Johnson will always have a special place in my heart as I often remember the time when I woke up from my surgery he was there with me, it meant so much to me. This is a special memory for me. I know he will be missed by so many other people whose lives he also touched in a similar fashion.
Rest in peace Dr. Johnson.

As a colleague and friend, Doug was always an inspiration and perhaps the finest example of what a gentleman, physician, and human should be. What a rare soul! His loss to the neurosurgical community, his friends and his family is inestimable. We were all truly blessed and honored to have him with us for what seems like far too short of a time. God bless you and keep you forever, Doctor/Friend/Patriot; thank you so much for your service to your family, country and all those who were fortunate enough to have known you

I feel truly blessed to have been treated by Dr.Johnson. His manner at which he addressed his patients was like no other physician I've ever encountered. It is obvious by the words of those spoken here on this guest book, he was an amazing man. My heart and prayers are with his family.

Thoughts and prayers to Dr. Johnson's family, he was a very compassionate and caring man. May he rest in peace.

I am a retired OR nurse who had the privilege of working with Dr. Johnson. He was always a gentleman and would greet you by first name and that little smile on his face. I had the utmost respect for him as a person as well as an excellent surgeon. My condolences go out to Beth, his wife, who I also had the privilege of working with. He will be greatly missed by many whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, my dear Dr. Johnson.

CAPT (Dr) Johnson was my former Commanding Officer (CO), mentor and friend. Doug and I served together at 4th MARDIV in NOLA. As his medical operations officer, Doug and I spent many hours and days finding better ways to take care of the Marines and Sailors at 4th MARDIV. Doug would operate all day, fly to NOLA and meet up with me late to work. If one found two words to describe Doug it would be "selfless dedication". The 4MD Team (RDML Pecha, CDR Elswick, CDR Maurizi, CDR Stein, CDR Freedman and HMC Lilley) shared many wonderful times together. Doug was proud to be the 4MD Surgeon, a husband and father. He was proud to have served his country and especially to watch his two children follow in proud lineage of fellow Naval officers. To my CAPT, mentor and friend...Fair Winds and Following Seas SIR! You will be missed, but never forgotten. The inspiration of your loyalty and dedication will continue to be carried on by your fellow FMF Sailors. I am proud to have served for you, by you and to have called you my friend. Your fellow Shipmate...Semper Fi!

I was a patient of Dr. Johnson's and from the moment I meet him, I knew I was in the best hands. His compassion for me has touched my heart deeply. He showed me his new uniform before he was deployed and I could see the joy and pride he had in serving his country. He was an incredible man! I will miss him very much

I was a patient of Dr. Johnson's, on and off, from 2004-2012. Each time I saw him he reassured me I was going to be OK, and I knew I would be in his hands. He was a pillar of strength and comfort, always. He will be missed. God's blessings during this difficult time.

Doug Johnson was my hero, as a Patriot, an Athlete and a Father. Toughness and Determination were only a veneer for a man of Character and a Heart of Gold. My memories of daybreak encounters on the Prairie Path will be treasured always. I will say Semper Fi for you at the USMC Marathon! I will miss you, Doug.
May God Bless You and your Family.

I put a family photo of Doug, Abi, Max and Beth that I took at Beth's Mother's funeral. I think Doug did so many great things in his life being a DR. for many people and along with his military service always helping others. I'm sure he was a great Father,Husband,Son and friend to many and will be missed by many. My sympathy to my cousins, Beth, Max, Abi and their friends and relatives.