Charles “Chuck” Kendall Johnson, 83, of Gales Ferry passed away on October 13th, 2022. He was born on January 7th, 1939 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Milo Sampson Johnson and Hulda Fredlina Moren. He attended Garretson High School in Garretson, South Dakota and received his bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University. He served aboard several submarines during his 20 year career in the Navy, retiring in November, 1981, as a senior chief electronics technician. He then served as a logistics engineer at Electric Boat for 10 years.
On March 24th 1963, he was married to Margaret M. Yanchocik in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Chuck will be remembered as a passionate family man and a doting father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known by family and friends for his strong wit and intellect, never shying away from a spirited debate. Chuck traveled extensively during his retirement with his loving wife Marge, both touring the country in their RV and throughout the world, going on over 30 cruises. He enjoyed traveling home to South Dakota, hunting pheasant and working the family farm. He spent countless hours teaching his boys to love the outdoors, fishing and clamming the local waters on their boat, and deer hunting in the fall. At home, he enjoyed tinkering in his garage, sewing, and being a jack of all trades. He could fix anything.
Chuck is survived by the love of his life, Margaret; brother Merlyn V. and wife Mary Lou Johnson, and sister-in-law Marilyn Johnson; sons Chawn K. and wife Charlene Johnson, Michael S. and wife Katie Johnson; grandchildren Taylor C. and Joshua Torchia, Caile K., Olivia G. and Charlotte L. Johnson; great-grandchildren Milo G. and August C. Torchia, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley E. and brother, Cortland D. Johnson, as well as his nephew, Craig D. Johnson.
Chuck was a long time member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, joining in 1968. Through the years, he served on various committees, supporting the church community.
There will be a Celebration of Life at 10 a.m. Friday, October 28th, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1830 CT-12 Gales Ferry. This will be followed by a burial with full military honors at Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, and a reception at St. Luke. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Chuck’s name to St. Luke Lutheran Church, at the above address.
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