Dorance R. Johnson

Dorance R. “Dear Old Dad” Johnson, 103, of Moline, Illinois, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois.

Visitation is 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, in the Horizon Room at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, immediately followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The family will host a hospitality luncheon immediately following services, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Burial is 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 27, at Rock Island National Cemetery, where the Moline American Legion Post #246 will present military honors. Those wishing to attend are invited to meet in the parking lot at Trimble Pointe between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Moline, Quad Cities Senior Olympics, or Tri City Motorcycle Club.

Dorance Russell Johnson was born July 28, 1922, in Woodhull, Illinois, the son of Edwin Walter and Minnie (Rosene) Johnson. Although a good student in grade school, his teachers’ comments were that he was “inclined to mischief”. He graduated from Woodhull High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran the mile in track.

At 20 years old, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, stationed in England during World War II. He climbed to the rank of Sgt. And was honorably discharged on February 14, 1946.

Dorance worked briefly for Rock Island Lines after his service before getting hired by John Deere Wagon Works. He spent over 36 years with John Deere as a welder, retiring in 1983.

He married Helen Freeman in 1950, and the couple had four children, Janice, Georgette, Marilyn and Darryl, prior to separating in 1971. He met Betty Turner soon after and lived together for many years prior to getting married in 1988. They traveled all across the United States and Mexico. Betty passed away April 11, 2019.

Dorance was an avid motorcyclist. He enjoyed hill climbing, winning the Canadian Hillclimb Championship in 1954. He climbed for many years, overcoming several injuries and broken legs, and was proud to be one of three Johnson generations to hill climbers. His last ride was when he was 87 years old and he got over the hill!

He was also an avid bicyclist, riding the Iowa RAGBRAI for 19 years, with his last ride coming when he was 90 years old. He celebrated with a bottle of beer. He enjoyed working and fixing bikes and rode every day or walked at the South Park Mall each morning. He also enjoyed meeting his sisters for coffee at Hardee’s and going to yard sales.

Never to be outdone, he competed with his brother, Dave (20 years younger) at the Senior Olympics. He competed in shot put, long jump, and the 100-yard dash. Even though he at times was the only one in his age group, he competed into his 90’s and earned over 100 medals.

Dorance is survived by his children, Janice (Greg) Golz of Rock Island, Georgette (Dave) Dacon of Port Charlotte, Florida, Marilyn (Mike) King of Murrieta, California, and Darryl (Kelly) Johnson of Moline; a step-son, Michael (Patricia) Purcell of Crest Hill, Illinois; 10 grandchildren, Nick (Malliki) Golz, Paul (Stacey) Golz, Anna Thomas, Cody Race, Aaron (Callie) Wells, Holly (Nick) Johnson, Corey (Vanessa) King, Chelsie (Steven Lynch) Holke, Chad (Kelsey) Crotts, and Chase Johnson; 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marty Johnson; brother-in-law, Jack Miller; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; siblings, Clayton Johnson, Richard Johnson, David Johnson, Lucille Sherer, Joyce Livengood, and Shirley Miller; and his nephew, Gregg Johnson.

Dorance lived an amazing, long life. His family would to give special thanks to Bonnie and Richard Brunk for the wonderful care given to Dorance.

Friends are invited to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.