Irene Johnson

With a life that spanned more than a century, Irene Johnson made a significant impact in the world around her. Always impeccably dressed, she was community minded and believed in working hard to support the things she believed in, especially as her beloved husband’s biggest supporter. Irene was strong and independent, yet gentle and compassionate as well. Although much of her life was spent in the Chicago and Washington, D.C. areas, she spent her retirement years providing opportunities to countless young people in the Saugatuck-Douglas-Holland area whose lives will be forever changed due to her spirit of generosity. A true blessing in every sense of the word, Irene will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished by those she leaves behind.

If one could turn back the hands of time they would see an America that was very different during the earliest years of the twentieth century than the life we know today. It was during this decade that the Wright Brothers took their first flight at Kitty Hawk, Henry Ford first made the automobile more affordable for the average consumer, and radios brought people their news and entertainment for the day while silent films drew Americans to the theater. It was during this time of great promise that there was much to celebrate in one young family from the southeast side of Chicago since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl on October 6, 1909. Irene was welcomed into the world by her parents, Samuel E. and Alta May (Smith) Turley, with no doctor or nurse present at her home delivery. Because it was early in October, the landlord had not turned on the heat to their building and they kept the new born baby warm in their oven. Irene attended kindergarten at Doolittle School, and the remainder of her elementary years found her at various other area schools. She eventually made her way to Parker High School in Chicago during 1923 and 1924, but she needed to leave school in order to care for her ill mother. Irene was later able to complete her education at Jones High School in Chicago.

When she was 17, Irene secured employment at Armour and Company. Just one year later, she began working for Mckey and Pogue, a local real estate company.

While she was busy establishing her career, Irene’s personal life grew very exciting when she met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Einar Johnson and after falling deeply in love, the couple was united in marriage on June 10, 1931, when she was just 21 years old. Irene and Einar were true soul mates who could even be considered “the dynamic duo” as they complimented each other in countless ways. Together they established three True Value Hardware stores on Chicago’s far southeast side. They also embraced the political scene together as they both saw a need for a better government in Cook County. With that need in mind, Irene stood by as Einar successfully ran for alderman of Chicago’s Eighth Ward. She not only supported him in the race, but served as his campaign manager. Einar was later appointed to Deputy Director of the Small Business Administration during the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations. Irene graciously and competently handled the many social and business obligations that accompany a high-ranking federal government position.

Not only did Irene and Einar build successful businesses and an esteemed political career, but they also raised three incredible daughters. Their family was always their priority and they both made plenty of time to shower their girls with love. After their girls were older and established families of their own, family time continued to play an important role as both Irene and Einar treasured the time they spent with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene also enjoyed many vacations with her loved ones.

Although much of her time was focused on her family, Irene also found fulfillment in other ways. With a heart for politics, Irene was directly involved with a mayoral race by directing phone banks, assisting candidate Robert Merriam in his race against Richard Daley. When her husband was traveling, she decided to answer an advertisement from a prestigious department store that was looking to fill a position. Not only did Irene impress them, but she was quickly placed in the executive office as a customer’s personal consultant.

Following their retirement in 1991, Irene and Einar moved to Freedom Inn in Holland where they were one of the first residents. These years were anything but years to rest, however, as Irene busied herself in her community. She was supportive of many local activities including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Holland. Irene also established a scholarship fund for many young Freedom Village staff members and with a deep love for the arts, she was a longtime underwriter of the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck. She was always superbly dressed and became affectionately known as “the Hat Lady” in her local community.

Throughout her life, Irene selflessly gave of her time and resources to worthy causes she felt passionate about. She generously gave to her churches including the Southlawn Community Methodist Church in Chicago, where they were founding members, Union Church in Hinsdale, Illinois, as well as the Community Church in Douglas. Additionally, Irene was a lifetime member of the Chicago Art Institute.

A gracious, proper, and warm woman, Irene Johnson always brought so much beauty to the world around her. She had a quick wit and with her timeless wisdom, she had the ability to carry on a conversation on a wide variety of subjects. Wherever she went, Irene was always the life of the party and with her deep love for and acceptance of those around her, she touched the lives of many. Life will never be the same without her here, but all who knew Irene will be forever changed for having loved her.

Irene Johnson died on Saturday, April 23rd at the Inn in Freedom Village in Holland, Michigan. Irene’s family includes her daughters, Judith Oberholtzer, Karen Spoerl (Glenn), and Christine Morgan (Jerry); seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Einar and son-in-law, William Oberholtzer. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 1, 3:00pm.at the Community Church of Douglas, 6780 Wiley Rd. with Revs. Dan Miller and Dennis De Witt officiating. A reception will follow. Burial will be in Douglas Cemetery. Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Holland Michigan, Hospice of Holland, Community Church of Douglas, the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck, Michigan, and the Freedom Village Scholarship Fund of Holland, Michigan. Arrangements are by the Saugatuck Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 520 Lake St., Saugatuck, MI.