Earle David Johnson was born in Grafton, North Dakota on February 1st, 1943, to Mother Jessie and Father Edwin. He had two older sisters Marilyn and Carol. Eventually Earle and his family made their way to Waukon, Iowa which he called home until he went to Wheaton college. While at Wheaton, he was a proud member of the Glee Club with whom he toured Europe performing for welcoming crowds. After 4 joyous and fulfilling years there, he went on to achieve his Master of Divinity at McCormick Theological Seminary. Post graduation, he worked for Youth for Christ where he helped youths for Christ.

It wasn't until his time at the Berghoff that he found his calling in the service industry. He became sole owner of Quenchers in 1979. He became a staple in the community and at a time when the hardest choice between beers was Hamm’s or Old Style, he built one of, if not the first beer bar in Chicago. He was a seminal figure in the beer movement, forever changing the way Logan Square and Chicago drank with the annual European Beer tours and Walks to Wrigley.

In July of 2018, Earle closed the chapter on Quenchers. He exchanged memories and mementos with his beloved bartenders and longtime patrons, ones that will be cherished for as long as they can be. After over 50 years of service, 39 of which were at Quenchers, he was finally able to relax in his comfy air conditioned home with his family where he had a strict program consisting of watching European crime shows with his wife, eating meals cooked by his youngest, having deep discussions with his oldest, and scrolling Facebook reels in solitude.

Earle was a longtime member of The Church of the Three Crosses. He was a committee member and often a guest speaker. He regularly worked church events and served his community alongside friends who he continued to have lunch with until his passing. He touched many lives across Chicago with his life efforts at Quenchers, the church, and everything in between.

No matter what the weather or situation, Earle was always quick with a joke, almost always ready to lend a helping hand and share life experiences, and always a loving and caring husband and father.

In recent years, Earle had struggled with chronic illness and passed in the presence of his immediate family at St. Mary's Hospital. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Marilyn, brother-in-law Bill, and niece Dawn.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nerissa Ladas Johnson; his wonderful sons, David and Dean Johnson; his beloved sister, Carol Johnson; his nephews Dan and Jim and their respective spouses Kim and Julie; his niece Shawn and her spouse Bryan; his brothers-in-law Derek, Marc, and Alex; and countless other family members.

For those of you who wish to honor Earle's memory, you are invited to donate to The Church of the Three Crosses here:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/COTTC