Lawrence E. Johnson

Heaven celebrated the homecoming of Lawrence "LarryÃ¢â‚¬Â E. Johnson who passed away peacefully at his home on Good Friday, April 3, 2015. He was born in Cadillac on February 26, 1921 to Eugene and Mabel (Blaisdell) Johnson and married the love of his life, Dorothy I. Mishler, on October 26, 1940. She preceded him in death on January 18, 2003. Larry was employed at B.F. Goodrich and L.E. Johnson Refrigeration in Cadillac; Giant Super Market Corporation in Mt. Pleasant; and was Shareholder and District Supervisor for the Cadillac and Manistee Mancino\'s. His many interests included hunting, fishing, golfing, raising and training Brittany Spaniels, water skiing, gardening, camping, playing the harmonica, walking the Mackinac Bridge, driving children to the Shriner\'s Hospital in Chicago, being part of the National Ski Patrol at Caberfae Ski Area for many years, and boxing in the Golden Gloves at the young age of 19. He was a member of the American Legion Post #94, Saladin Shriners , Paul Bunyan Shrine Club, Masonic Clam Lake Lodge #331, Scottish Rite Valley of Traverse City Chapter, Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Rapids Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Michigan Cadillac Chapter #103, and the Disabled American Veterans Inland Lakes #39. He was a former member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, National Rifle Association and various other organizations. He also served as Board Member of Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning at Ferris State University. Larry\'s patriotism and service to our Country was evident by two major events in his life that he was most proud of: His enrollment in Camp Axin Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) where the CCC enrollees built camps and planted over 35 million trees on the Manistee National Forest. During his time in the CC\'s he also had a major hand in fire protection, management of existing stands of timber, and preservation and management of wildlife and recreation. During World War II, he voluntarily joined the U.S. Army in 1944 and was chosen to become part of the elite 10th Mountain Division, 85th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Company G. He fought in the Italian Campaign at Riva Ridge, Mt. Belevederer, Po Valley, Po River Crossing, and the advancement to Lake Garda, Italy. As a wounded soldier he received the Purple Heart along with many other distinguished medals during his time in the U.S.Army. As a humble man from the Great Generation, he praised the true heroes of the war; those who sacrificed their lives. His survivors include three children and their spouses: Janice VanPelt (Gene), Gloria Boersma (Don), and Ron Johnson (Chris). Grandchildren: Shelly Fuller, Robin Williams, Corey Fuller (Breannia), and Michael Boersma (Brenda). Great Grandchildren: Taylor and Jenna Williams, Alexa and Lucas Boersma, Noah and Caleb Outman, and Baylee Fuller. He will truly be missed by his family, friends, and faithful dog companion, Ellie. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mildred Kanouse, Arnold Johnson, Joyce Worst, Devere Johnson and Ardath Williams along with their spouses. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Cherry Grove Church of the Nazarene on M-55 West with Pastors Brian Farmer and Clif Burritt officiating. Visitation is from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors; 10th Mountain Division Association; or the charity of one\'s choice. His final resting place will be Sherman Township Cemetery in Osceola County. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com. A respected, honorable, selfless man who loved his family, friends, and Country has gone to be with his Lord and Savior. Well done thy good and faithful servant.

Lawrence E. Johnson

February 26, 1921 - April 3, 2015