Swede Johnson

Ronald C. "Swede" Johnson, beloved husband, stepfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Wesley Willows in Rockford, Illinois. He was 80 years old.

Swede was born on August 18, 1945, in Rockford, Illinois, to Vernon and Vivian Johnson. A proud Rockford native, he was a graduate of West High School, where his love of competition and community took root early. In the 1970s, he was a member of the Rockford Rams Football Team, a chapter of his life he carried with fondness.

Swede spent his professional life in the automotive parts industry, building a career defined by relationships and reliability. He worked as a Salesman for Main Automotive Supply for 25 years before joining NAPA Auto Parts, where he served as a Territory Sales Manager for 20 years until his retirement in 2010. Those who worked alongside him knew him as someone who could walk into any room and leave with a new friend.

Few passions defined Swede more than his love of racing. He was involved with Rockford Speedway for over 30 years, serving for many of those years as Chief Steward & Director of Competition - a role that reflected both his deep knowledge of the sport and his tireless dedication to the racing community. His enthusiasm extended to NASCAR at the national level, and he and his wife Kathy made an annual tradition of attending the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR Annual Meetings together, traveling the country and building memories along the way.

In 1990, Swede married Kathy Lemonds, and the two built a full and adventurous life together. Whether they were on a road trip, in the stands at a race, or cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks and the Rockford IceHogs, Swede and Kathy were a team. He was an avid Chicago sports fan through and through.

Swede is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy; his stepchildren, Theresa (Ed) Papineau and Kim (George) Bohn; and his step-grandchildren, Zach, Amanda, and Jessica; step-great-grandson Lucas. He is also survived by numerous cousins, they were more like his siblings than extended family, and so many dear friends that didn’t hesitate to help care for Swede and Kathy in his final chapter.

A memorial visitation will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Road, Rockford, Illinois 61103. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com

Swede was an incredibly likable and generous man. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.