Johnson, Michael W.

Michael W. Johnson, 56, passed away Nov. 9, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Lutheran Church, Rapid River, Mich., where the family will greet friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, at Shueyville United Methodist Church, Shueyville, with visitation and fellowship from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Cheryl (Viau); mother, Blanche of Ensign, Mich.; two sons, Jeff (Holly) Johnson of Escanaba, Mich., and Brandon Johnson of Swisher; two daughters, Michelle (Erik) Rantala of Antigo, Wis., and Ashley Johnson of Swisher; a brother, Andy (Diane Wilde) of Tomah, Wis.; two sisters, Kathy (Don) Rushford of Chatham, Mich., and Colleen (Karl) Soderman of Rapid River, Mich.; three grandchildren, Zackery and Taylor Johnson and Ethan Rantala; mother- and father-in-law, Ken and Nancy Viau of Bark River, Mich.; special aunt, Dalene Benson of Escanaba, Mich.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. His best pal and black Lab, Shadow, will greatly miss Mike.

He was preceded in death by his father, Axel Johnson.

Michael was born Sept. 9, 1953, in Esconaba, Mich. He was a technical rep for SECO Tools and a member of Sons of the American Legion. Mike's hobbies included golfing, fishing, hunting and all outdoor activities. He especially enjoyed coaching his son Brandon during baseball season.

Special thanks from Mike's family goes to Dr. Warren, Cindy Fullbright and all the nurses and staff at the Iowa Blood and Cancer Center for all of their support during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family.