Walter Thomas Johnson

Walter Thomas “Tom” Johnson, 86, of Palos Heights, Illinois, passed away surrounded by his family on May 21, 2026. A cherished husband, dad, grandfather, and friend to many, Tom touched all that he met with his spirited nature and his immense pride for his family that loved him back through thick and thin. Tom was born on November 9, 1939 in Chicago to Minnie Johnson. He was raised on the South Side of Chicago in a ten flat across the street from St. Rita’s Parish. He attended school at St. Ritas, St. Augustine’s Seminary, St. Ignatius College Prep and St Joseph's College where he studied to become a teacher. He met his wife Pat while teaching in Burbank School District 111, and they married in 1967, started their family, and settled in Flossmoor. He was a caring dad to his four daughters, and they happily served as his TV channel changers before remote controls existed. Tom was proud to be a junior high English teacher for 38 years and loved to show people his retired classroom number he was presented with upon his retirement in 1999. During much of his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Pat, golfing, and fishing at his beloved Pike Lake Club. Those of us who knew him well could hardly believe that a man with his lack of patience pursued these quiet, peaceful hobbies. His ten grandkids were an immense source of pride, laughter and love for him over the past few decades, and he could often be found chatting with each of them about their interests at family gatherings. He was an avid sports fan. As a proud and sometimes miserable lifelong Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini fan he loved spending time in his chair (loudly) cheering them on.

Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat; his daughters Michelle Meister (Eric), Bridget Winkiel (Steve), Melissa Inboriboon (Paul), Kim Nowak (Johnny); and his grandchildren Caroline, Andrew, & Elise Meister; Jeremy, Sarah, & Elizabeth Winkiel; Nathan & Chloe Inboriboon; Kate & Ben Nowak. He is also survived by his sister Mazie Buss (late Donald), sister-in-law Phyllis Wilson (Ron), brother-in-law Ron Myers (Roxie), and numerous nieces and nephews with whom he shared a special relationship. Tom had countless friends made through teaching, church, golfing and fishing that meant the world to him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s honor to Peace Village https://peacevillage.org/giving/ in Palos Park, Illinois, who so lovingly cared for him at the end of his life or a charity of your choice.

Internment will be private.