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Gerald (Jerry) Laverne Johnson Sr., age 84, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021.
He was born August 6, 1936 in Constantine, the son of William (Bob) Tolbert and Dora Louise (Norton) Johnson, Sr.
Gerald married JoAnn Burt on October 23, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Constantine.
They moved into a tenant house on the Ertah Reames farm, just east of Jones. In 1956 they moved in and rented JoAnn’s grandmothers house on Driskel Lake in Jones. They lived there until their new home was completely built in November 1957.
Gerald graduated from Three Rivers high school in 1954 and went to work at the Fairbanks Morse Co. He also worked at National Water Lift in Kalamazoo, Carbi-Service in Three Rivers as the General Manager and Joe Lintz’s Construction Co. He settled into the tool and die trade and was also a Superintendent for Three Rivers Tool and Engineering and HBDM.
Gerald was also a farmer on the family Centennial farm and leased various other acres from local farmers. He retired in February 2002.
He was in the Michigan National Guard for just shy of 10 years and became a Platoon Sergeant.
Gerald served on Fabius Township’s Zoning Board of Appeals, eventually becoming the Chairman. He was Fabius Township’s Sexton for Morrison Cemetery, caring for the grounds with his grandfather William Adelbert (Will) Johnson and eventually took it over. Gerald took care of the cemetery for over 75 years, most recently with the help of his grandson William Johnson Wesse.
Gerald especially loved raising hunting dogs, playing cards, woodworking, construction, hunting, cutting wood and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association and enjoyed providing logs for the Steam Engine show.
Remaining to cherish Gerald’s memory are his wife, JoAnn; son, Gerald Jr (Jerry) and wife Denise of Raton, NM; daughter, Kathleen and husband Randy of Three Rivers; Grandsons Justin Sean Johnson and William Johnson Wesse. Several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers Bill, LeRoy and Dennis.
A Memorial Tribute will be held at a later Date.
Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.
