Johnny was born December 29, 1926 in Nordland Township to Harold and Marie (Fier) Tillemans. He attended and graduated from Minneota Public School.
On June 26, 1950, Johnny married Dorothy Ann Wyffels at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. The couple farmed south of Minneota and co-owned and operated the Silver Dollar Bar in Ghent starting in 1979. Johnny’s love of his land and working with the public inspired his hard work ethics and being with people gave him such enjoyment. Johnny spent many hours doing volunteer work grooming the rolle bolle courts in Ghent. He bartended at Ted’s Bar, Silver Dollar Bar and K.B.’s Bar and Grill; worked for the Lyon County Farm Service hauling fertilizer and he enjoyed woodworking – donating many of his woodworking’s to benefits and loved ones and friends. Johnny loved baking and making rosettes to share with family and friends.
Johnny and Dorothy were blessed with six children – LuAnn, Joe, Carey, Deb, Sandy and Christine. Johnny is survived by daughters: LuAnn (Jerry) Hinz of Tracy; Carey (Pete) Doyscher of Minneota; Deb (friend, Dan) of Anoka, and Sandy (Bill) Doyscher of Hendricks. Also special sister-in-law and husband, Patty and Dr. Paul Julsrud of Rochester, nephew, Jay Friedrichs of Hawick and niece, Pay Yeo of New London. Seven grandchildren: Kennedy and Jessica Gilbertson, Lisa Gillund, Julie Crider, Jennifer Schwartz, Jonathan Doyscher and Alex Lessman. Great-grandchildren: Caleb, Ty, Sophia, Truman and Oscar Gilbertson (Kennedy and Sara); Airman (A1C) Joseph L. Schwartz, Cameron, Colton, and Jayden Crider (Julie and Mike); Hunter, Reese, and Bekkem Gillund (Lisa and Travis); Truthton and Johnny Fales (Jessica). Step-granddaughters Barb (and Ralph) Orcutt, Brenda (and Brian) Mlsna, five step-great-grandchildren and 7 step great-great grandchildren.
Johnny is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; parents – Harold and Marie; sister – Audrey Friedrichs; infant brother – Jimmy; son – Joe; daughter – Christine, son-in-laws- Jim Anderson and Terry Schwartz and many aunts and uncles.
May his free spirit blow in the winds and may he soar like an eagle. May he look down upon us and make us smile and laugh. He will never be forgotten in our memories or in our hearts.
Memorials preferred to the Prairie Home Hospice House of Marshall.
