Michael Johnson

Determined as well as hard-working, Michael Johnson was a genuine person through and through. A devoted husband, father, and papi, he savored the time he spent with his growing family over the years. Mike lived his life to the fullest by engaging with the community he loved. Generous, reliable, and humble, he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The 1940s were characterized by WWII. By 1948, the first affordable prefab homes were being built in the U.S. to solve the growing needs of the baby boomers. That same year, Mike was welcomed home on July 19th. Born the second child in a family of four boys, his childhood was filled with many memorable moments.

Growing up, Mike found his happiness outdoors. He and his brothers spent a large part of their time exploring nature and finding their fair share of mischief. A highlight of these days was their time spent fishing. The family moved around a bit before settling down. Mike eventually landed at Everett High School where he enjoyed making many lasting friendships. After graduation, he volunteered for the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

After the war ended, Mike returned home to start his next chapter. Luckily, he met Darlene, who was visiting a nearby cottage when he stopped by to borrow a can opener. It was love at first sight and the rest was history! Mike and Darlene dated and married on December 5, 1970. Their first five years were savored all to themselves without any children. They spent this time bonding over many commonalities and maturing as a couple. Mike was especially fond of Darlene’s mother, Katie Scott. Her warmth and kindness were very meaningful in his life. Eager to raise a family of their own, he and Darlene treasured their two wonderful children: Chad and Katie.

Mike’s jovial personality and ability to be actively involved with his kids made him a natural in his role as a father. Despite many challenges from his childhood, Mike embraced his children as blessings and approached parenting with patience and optimism. He loved to play with his kids and encourage them throughout their developing years. He built train sets with Chad and built a stage for Katie to practice her dancing skills. These small acts of love had large dividends as they grew into adulthood. Although he didn't speak much about his experience in the war often, he was willing to share this part of his life with his children when they were older. Mike modeled his family a life of working hard to provide for them while balancing quality time with them. On visits to the Gilmore Car Museum, he would share his knowledge about how to identify car models. During the Christmas season, he loved to play A Christmas Story and point out key memories from his own life. His children also appreciated his love of music. Mike mostly loved the music from the 50s and 60s and was known to take his grandkids to record shows. Nothing made his heart happier than sharing time with his family and celebrating their many successes.

A steadfast provider, Mike was proud of his career. After Vietnam, he went to work at Oldsmobile and quit after just one day, realizing he was not made for line work. He then went on to work at a grocery store in Lansing. He and Darlene moved their young family to Portage after he accepted a job with State Vitamin. He eventually began work at Spartan Stores as a private label manager, where he stayed for over 25 years. No matter where he worked, he always approached each day with a positive attitude and enjoyed working with others.

In addition to his family and work, Mike volunteered at many area organizations. He was very involved in his community, including the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and more recently Lest We Forget Our Vets and Ambucs. He loved to ring the bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays, work as an assistant Youth minister at church, and help at Indian Reservations. Youth camps were always his favorite. They would spend long days helping and supporting low-income people with home repairs and remodels. On each camp trip, they would save at least one day for fun at a local water park or a day off from physical labor. On one trip, they went white water rafting and Mike made national news when he tried to save a 15-year-old from being electrocuted after stepping in a puddle of water. This moment had such a huge impact on him that he carried her picture around for the rest of his life. Above all else, Mike loved his church and faith life and enjoyed ministering to others. He was a beautiful example of living his life selflessly to support anyone in need.

Retirement afforded Mike more time to enjoy with his family. He enjoyed researching recipes and preparing food. He worked as the custodian for Katie’s dance studio and never turned down an opportunity to play Dr. Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker. Even this past year when his health was declining, he poured himself into the production one last time. He was thrilled to share the stage with his granddaughters. Mike never wanted his illness to define him or deprive him of any of life’s most joyous moments. 2024 was a magical year spent making memories. After finishing his treatments for pancreatic cancer, he took the family to Disney World to watch his girls perform in the Halloween parade. He enjoyed a cabin in Tennessee. He and Darlene also traveled up north for a fall color tour and drove through Michigan’s famous Tunnel of Trees on M-22. Mike was back in the hospital at Christmas, so his family brought Christmas to him! They decorated his room and opened presents together. Mike’s heart was so happy to share the season with his loved ones surrounding him. Described as an engaging and loving person, he will be deeply missed. May his family and special friends always live their lives as a reflection of his steadfast compassion for others and may his warm memories live on in their hearts forever.

Michael Johnson of Schoolcraft, age 76, died on February 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents: Richard Sutherland & Lilah Johnson; and brother, Errol Johnson. Surviving is his wife, Darlene; children: Chad (Kares) Johnson and Katie (Kyle) Stull; grandchildren: Kessler, Symbol, Luke, Wyatt, Ella, Lana, Monty, and Rose; great-granddaughter, Zoey; siblings: Jack (Chom) Johnson and Gary Johnson; nieces and nephews; godson, Carter; and favorite fur kid, Daisy.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Monday, February 24, at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Celebrate Mike’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Talons Out Honor Flight.