Johnson, Norman Miller (Died)

Johnson, Norman Miller A kind-hearted Hoosier and lover of life, was born October 11, 1934 in Winchester Indiana. He spent his childhood in Liberty Indiana. He was a graduate of DePauw University, earning his B.A. in 1956. While in college, Norm was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and enjoyed participating in competitive bridge tournaments. In 1958 he received his M.B.A. from the Business School at Northwestern University. In Chicago he began his business career with Paul D. Speer & Associates, where he served as a municipal finance analyst. In 1961 he joined the firm of Stein Roe & Farnham, where he initially concentrated on credit research of municipal and corporate securities. He was made a partner of the firm in 1969. From 1970-1994 he served as portfolio manager for taxable and fixed-income portfolios, specializing in insurance company portfolios. He was also manager of the bond department from 1971-79 and 1989-1992. In 1987 he was named an executive vice president, a position he held until his retirement from the firm in 1994. Norm enjoyed a vigorous and productive retirement, managing the business of a family farm in Liberty, Indiana, serving as a director on several advisory boards including First Merchant Corp. (1995-2009) and its subsidiary Union County Bank (1966-1995); and, most recently, International Financial Group; and Sahara Enterprises Incorporated. He was also a generous supporter of several philanthropic causes. In 2006 Ivy Tech Community College Richmond named him Benefactor of the Year for his contributions to capital improvements and scholarships for students attending the school on behalf of the Johnson Family. In 2009 he received the National Service to Youth Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for forty years of dedicated service to the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago. Norm radiated a warm kindness and playful sense of humor that drew in many many friends in Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois. He enjoyed widespread travels, regular ski trips and countless rounds of golf. He was a board member of the White Lake Golf Club in Michigan and a president of Skokie Country Club. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Julie, as well as two sons, Scott and Matthew, a daughter-in law Anne, and four grandchildren: Owen, Emma, Hunter and Gardner. Funeral services were held at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Kenilworth on September 1. In memoriam donations may be made to the following organizations: Union League of Chicago Boys' and Girls' Club, 65 W. Jackson St., Chicago IL 60604; Howmet Playhouse, 304. S. Mears Ave., Whitehall MI 49461; Ivy Tech Community College Foundation, 2356 Chester Blvd., Richmond IN 47375; Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Clair Ct., Glenview IL 60025.