WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Kenneth R. Johnson, age 75, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 24, 2011, at Sturgis Hospital.
He was born March 14, 1936, in Ann Arbor, a son of the late Raymond and Mary Alice (Raver) Johnson.
Mr. Johnson had resided in Sturgis most of his life. On July 18, 1958, he married Virgie Westra at Church of God in LaGrange, Ind.
He had been employed by Sturgis Newport Business Forms in Sturgis for 28 years until the business closed, and for many years he was self-employed as a truck driver, mostly hauling gladiolas.
He was a past member of the Loyal Order of Moose #574 and the Eagles Lodge #1314. He enjoyed fishing and boating and could often be found in his garage tinkering on cars and trucks.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Virgie; two daughters, Julie (Claude) Hoffman of Paoli, Ind., and Valerie (Daniel) Baldwin of Colon; two sons, Larry (Laura) Johnson of Sturgis and Timothy Johnson of Nottawa; his dog, Mya; 11 grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Arlene (Lloyd) Black of Sturgis and Elizabeth (James) Vargo of Rolling Prairie, Ind.; two brothers, Harold (Carolyn) Johnson of White Pigeon and Richard Johnson of Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a great-granddaughter, Izabel Taylor; two brothers; and five sisters.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:45 p.m. Friday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Kenneth R. Johnson will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. Michael Peters, nephew of Mr. Johnson will officiate.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Johnson’s memory consider Pet Haven, P.O. Box 853, Sturgis, MI 49091.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
