Death Notice

Richard "Dick" Jonson

January 24, 1933 - March 02, 2010

Richard Dale Jonson, 77, of Naples, FL, and Rochester Hills, MI, passed away at home in Naples on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Dick will be deeply missed by his wife of 27 years, Carol. He is survived by two children and two grandchildren with his first wife, the late Alice Rudwall Jonson: Linnea Jonson of Denton, TX; Paul Jonson (Noreen) of Dedham, MA, and their children, Richard Dale Jonson II and Alice Catherine Jonson.

Dick was born in Elgin, Illinois, and graduated from Elgin Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in General Engineering at the University of Illinois.

He was a proud veteran, having served his country for two years in the United States Army’s chemical munitions facility in Pine Bluff, AK.

After several years working for Cummins Engine, Dick moved to Columbus, MS, where he began a long career with a company that would eventually become part of the Automotive Group of United Technologies. His career responsibilities took him around the world as he managed manufacturing facilities in Italy, France, Spain and Holland, and worked with companies in Japan and South Korea.

After retiring in 1987, Dick was an active volunteer with his churches in Michigan and Florida. For 20 years he served the community as a volunteer income tax preparer with the AARP/IRS program, first in Birmingham, MI, and then in Naples, FL. He was an active member of the Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning at Hodges University in Naples, a proud member of the Great Naples Illini alumni organization and a member of the University of Illinois President’s Council.

Funeral at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, Tuesday 11am. Visitation at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14-15 Mile Rds.) Monday 4-8pm. Interment in White Chapel Cemetery,Troy.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Boulevard, Naples, Florida, at 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 13.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 N. Halsted Street, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60642, or to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.

Condolences:

They say "kids are a reflection of their parents." While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jonson, I am a close friend of his son, Paul. Given what a great guy Paul is, I have little doubt Mr. Jonson was a talented, caring, and fine person. I wish him a peaceful eternal rest.

Brian Aaron

Dear Carol, Linnea, Paul and Noreen, I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of Richard. He was a man of faith and character and will be missed; especially by those he loved. We extend our sympathy and prayers to you at this sad time. Kathy and Jim Gibney

Kathy and Jim Gibney

Paul, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that your father will live through you. Be blessed and know that absolutely nothing can separate you from the love of the Creator. Ed Lloyd

Edwin H. Lloyd

Paul, Noreen, Richard and Ali - I am truly sorry for your loss. From reading the obituary it sounds like your Dad had a rich and fulfilling life not to mention a great smile. I am sure he will be missed by all of you.

Marilyn

I am very lucky to have many happy childhood memories of different things. Church- Christmas, family times, events and friendships- many of those included the Jonson's. My friends The Jonsons , My deepest sympathy to your entire family. ~Patty Lanke

Patty Lanke

Dear Paul, Noreen, Richard and Ali, We were saddened to hear of your fathers passing. It will be a huge loss for all of you and especially for Richard and Ali. We will keep you in our prayers. Joanne, Chip and Children

Joanne & Chip Caputo

Jonson Family, I am so sorry for your loss - clearly, the world will be a little less bright without Mr. Jonson. I, too, never had the honor to meet him, but what a wonderful legacy he has left in Paul and Linnea. God bless him and your family. With love, Susan

Susan (Batchelor) Easterly

Paul, Carol and family, I was so saddened to hear of Dick's passing. I always remember him as such a kind and generous person, and especially to our dear late "Bobby." As a scout leader when Robert was on a remote tour, Dick allowed Bobby to go as his "son" on Father/Son campouts, etc. My best to all of you at this sad time.

Lou Boland

Dear Paul and family, We were sorry to hear from Patty of your father's passing. This is a sad time for all of you. Please be assurred of our thoughts and prayers. With love, Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary

Mary And Jim Clancy

Paul & Linnea, I remember so well your dad when we were all growing up in Columbus. He was truly my ideal of a gentleman. I was always so impressed with him, & he was my role model even though he never knew it. And so handsome in his business suits! My sincere condolences.

Elizabeth Broocks Knight

Dear Paul & Noreen: Please accept our sincere sympathy on your loss. We never had the pleasure of meeting your father, Paul, but the fact that he raised such a fine son suggests he was a good man.

Kevin & Ellen Donovan

Linnea, Paul and the Jonson family, I was deeply saddened to learn of your father/husband's death. I was working at United Technologies in Columbus when your father was there. He was much revered and an asset to the company. Linnea, I believe I had the pleasure of knowing you from the Columbus swim team. It seems, from some of the condolences I have read, your brother, Paul, must have the inheritated your dad's kind disposition. I know you will miss him and I shall remember you all prayerfully.

Winona S. Colbert

Dear Carol, Paul, Noreen, Richard and Alice, I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I always thought of him as such a wonderful gentleman with a wonderful smile. Our prayers are with each of you.

LuAnne Matos

Dear Linnea,Paul,and Carol...Dick was the person who lured me to Columbus MS from Springfield MA. We had both worked for Cummins. I never regretted my move south and the many years I worked for Dick. We send you our prayers and deepest sympathy. Respectfully, Bob and Pat Bayer retired in Bloomington IN

Robert Bayer

Linnea, I am so sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, he sounds like he was a wonderful man and I know you will all miss him greatly

Hallie "Sandee" Jones Kenny

Dear Carol, I learned of Dick's passing from another former Egger's employee who read it in the Columbus paper. I will always have wonderful memories of "House sitting" for you guys. You and the family are in our prayers here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Robert (Bob) Ratliff

Nea, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. I'm sure he is deeply missed by his wonderful family. Can't wait to see you back at work soon. Take care my friend. Love, Janet

Janet Bird

I am so sorry for your loss. I know he holds a special spot in your heart.. Love ya! Anna

Anna Shuman