Barbara Joan Johnson, Gilbert, Arizona, formerly of East Moline, Illinois, passed away May 5, 2025. 

Barbara was born December 4, 1934, on the Big Island, Milan, IL., the oldest daughter of Raymond and Pearl (Newton) Manthe, she was born at the home of her grandparents, James and Zella Newton. She married Eddie J. Castagnoli on March 8.1954, in Aledo, IL., who preceded her in death in September of 1964. She later married James L Johnson on March 11, 1966, in Milan, IL, who also preceded her in death in February of 2017.

Barbara graduated from Sherrard High School Class of 1953 and attended Black Hawk College. She worked as a Credit Manager for Star Forms, a division of Bowater Communication Papers, retiring after 40 years of employment. She enjoyed genealogy as a past member of the Mary Little Deere-Fort Armstrong DAR chapter of Moline, and the National Daughters of the Union for Civil War Soldiers lineage societies.

Barbara is survived by her sons: Steven Castagnoli of Hazelhurst, MS, Russ (Tammy) Castagnoli of Maricopa, AZ, Grandchildren Sean (Nicole) Castagnoli of Phoenix, AZ, Eric Castagnoli of Chandler, AZ, Zachary Chapman of Maricopa, AZ, Taylor (Josh) Patterson of Canton, IL, Alexandra Sisk of Stuttgart, Germany, Madisyn (Brandon) White of Navarre, FL. 2 Great Grandchildren, Corbin and Caroline Castagnoli of Phoenix, AZ Sisters Thelma Barton of Alpha, IL, and Carol Johnson of Woodhull, IL., and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Milo Manthe, David Manthe, and Lyle Manthe.

Funeral services will be held at Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery on May 29, 2025, at 9:00 am. Family and friends are invited to gather at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline, IL, to join the procession at 8:30 am.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on her Memory Wall at wendtfuneralhome.com.