Grant Johnson

From drag racing to travelling the world, Grant Johnson lived a life fueled by fast cars, hockey, humor, and, most of all, family. Grant's contagious humor inspired much fun for anyone who spent time with him. He struck up conversations with everyone, and if he couldn't remember a person's name, he'd give them a nickname. Leading with his heart in all things, Grant's compassion and kindness were evident in how everyone fondly called him "Fluff." A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Grant will long be remembered and deeply missed by those he so dearly loved.

Despite the obvious gloom of the growing conflict in Europe, 1938 held much to celebrate, including the end of the Great Depression, Seabiscuit's historic win, and Superman's first appearance. As the U.S. actively armed up for war, families continued to center their lives on love and hope for a brighter future. Nowhere was that hope more evident than in the hearts and home of Hugh and Madge Johnson as they welcomed their son, Grant, to their family on June 1 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

An only child, Grant grew up in Kalamazoo, where his dad would give Grant boxes of Double Bubble chewing gum, and he became everyone's best friend when he took them to school to share. As a teen, Grant went to work for his grandfather and his dad at Grant Johnson and Son Firebrick Co. A natural gearhead, Grant was always drawn to cars. He drag raced in the street and later at Martin Dragway. As he was an only child, Grant's parents were able to give him most things he wanted, and eventually bought him his dream '55 Chevy.

Grant and his best friend Tom, spent most weekends racing. His race cars included a 65 Chevy, 33 Willy’s coupe and a Vega Pro Stock. He also loved street rods where he built a Ford Model A and 66 Nova. An enthusiastic grease monkey, Grant was always working on his car, and his buddies frequently hung out at his garage. The girls knew where to find the guys and would show up at the garage, too. That's where the parties were, and they just had a lot of fun together. It was during one of these parties that Grant had the good fortune of meeting his future wife, Jane Yonkers.

Grant and Jane dated for a time and soon began planning a future together along with his three children from his previous marriage. As Jane worked as a travel agent, the couple traveled extensively throughout their marriage. She was able to spoil Grant and other family members with trips she acquired through work. Though he didn't want to go to Hawaii or Alaska at first, he went to Hawaii four times and Alaska became his favorite vacation spot. Grant wasn't a beachgoer, but he loved cruising and had over 30 travels by ship. He was a go-with-the-flow traveler who didn't plan much and found fun wherever he was.

In time, Grant and Jane joyfully welcomed two additional boys to their family. All his children, Michael, Steve Stacy, Scott, and Mark were the centers of Grant's world, and he relished being their father. He was 46 when his youngest child was born; having kids and grandkids kept him active and young. Grant's steadfast companionship and support proved a priceless gift for his family; they never doubted that he would always be there for them, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

Proudly welcoming his new role as a domestic engineer, as a stay-at-home dad, Grant wanted his kids to share in his handyman skills, ensuring they knew how to make and fix things. He enjoyed watching How-To videos on YouTube partly because there were no commercials and also because they helped him explain how to do the things he was so good at doing himself. Grant especially enjoyed watching his boys play hockey on West Lake in Portage. When travel hockey became the family's main weekend event, Grant's cheering at the games quickly overtook his passion from auto racing.

In quiet time at home, he enjoyed watching his favorite comedies, including Married with Children, Two and a Half Men, Johnny Carson, and Green Acres. He enjoyed the movie, Major League, and his absolute favorite movie was Christmas Vacation. When the weather was warm, he cruised the lake every evening in his pontoon boat, though docking the last few years became a bit challenging.

As we celebrate Grant's wonderful life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in carrying his legacy of compassion, generosity, humor, and adventure forward. In each moment we enjoy Ritz Crackers with peanut butter or a box of Milk Duds, greet a stranger as a friend, confidently face life's challenges, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, enjoy a hearty belly laugh, take a sunset cruise, or travel with Jane, we keep Grant's memory alive and inspiring us to embrace each day and every person as a gift.

Grant Johnson of Portage, Age 87, died on March 6, 2026. Surviving are his wife, Jane; children: Michael Johnson, Steve (Jennifer) Johnson, Stacy Janz, Scott (Christy) Johnson, and Mark (Shelley) Johnson; grandchildren: Benjy, Tim, Sara, Olivia, Nick, Luke, Alaina, Kylee, Colton, and Piper; great-grandchildren: Giana, Vivian, Ellori, and one on the way.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Thursday, March 19, from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Grant's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the American Cancer Society.