District 88 remembers Board of Education member and graduate

It is with great sadness District 88 shares the news that Mark Johnson, District 88 Board of Education member and Willowbrook High School alumnus, has passed away.

Johnson was diagnosed with bone cancer this past spring and passed away with his family by his side on Dec. 13. Johnson served on the District 88 Board of Education since 1999 and was President from 2003 to 2011. He graduated from Willowbrook in 1966 and received the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. His four children also graduated from Willowbrook.

“Mark truly represents all that District 88 stands for – building futures for students and working for the continuous improvement of student achievement,” said Dr. Scott Helton, District 88 Superintendent. “He was part of this district in so many ways – he graduated from District 88, his children are graduates and he was a Board member for 15 years. He was dedicated to guiding this district in a positive direction in the best interest of students.”

Along with being on the District 88 Board of Education, Johnson also served as Deputy Chief of Police for the Villa Park Police Department and was on the District 45 Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of Villa Park and Tri-Town YMCA. He also was a Council Member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park, as well as a PADS worker.

Johnson could always be counted on to make the tough decisions Board members face to ensure a high-quality educational experience for the students of District 88. He often said his favorite aspects of being on the Board were shaking hands with all the potential for the future that walks across the stage on graduation day, seeing the successes and dedication of students who receive the District 88’s Best award and working with a faculty and staff who have demonstrated themselves to be among the best in the area and knowing their passion is focused entirely on the development of the student. Johnson and his wife, Phyllis, shared a passion for the arts, and they were big supporters of the fine arts program in District 88.

Funeral arrangements for Johnson are scheduled for Dec. 20 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park. He will lie in repose from 9 to 10 a.m. The funeral will then take place, followed by the funeral procession to Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace. The wake will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 19 at Steuerle Funeral Home in Villa Park. The Johnson family asks that you share your thoughts and well-wishes at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/markjohnson5.