Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson is a native of the Midwest, born in Michigan and growing up in Wisconsin. He began working for Caterpillar Tractor Company after completion of his sophomore year of college as a participant in the company’s co-operative education program. His first job was as a welder on second shift at the company’s Joliet plant. He explained, “I probably learned more in those five months out in the shop than I did in four years in the college classrooms.” After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1975, he continued with the company in Peoria, Illinois, working in product development for twenty-five years and then marketing for ten years. He finished his career working in the Corporate Public Affairs Department, where he was the Project Manager overseeing the development of a company Visitors Center in downtown Peoria. He retired in 2008.
His interest in the legacy of the company was sparked in 1995. At the time he was responsible for the development programs for the D8 and D9 tractors, two of the most iconic tractors in the company’s product line. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the D8 tractor, he convinced the company to purchase a 1935 RD8 tractor from a collector in Pennsylvania. After the collector completely restored the tractor, it was shipped to Peoria and displayed at various company locations throughout the year.
Since his retirement, Mark has served as the President of the Peoria Historical Society and on the Advisory Board of the Illinois State Historical Society. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Wheels O’Time Museum in Peoria. He has taught classes in early Peoria history in adult education programs at both Bradley University and Illinois Central College.
