Russell Johnson

Russell "Russ" Johnson, age 91, of Strongs, Michigan passed away Saturday afternoon, August 15, 2009 at Helen Newberry Joy Long Term Care facility. Russ was born in Hendricks Quarry, Mackinaw County, Michigan on October 1, 1917 to the late William and Sadie (Palmer) Johnson. He attended the old "Jones" school in Strongs until 8th grade when he left to work in the woods as a logger with his Dad and brothers. He then worked at the Sheldon's Lumber Mill in Eckerman until the mill closed many years later. He was a self-taught blacksmith that supplied many loggers with skidding tongs, pick axes and numerous tools for logging. His pick axes today are highly sought after collector items. Russ was also the sexton of Colburn Cemetery for over 50 years. Russell traveled to many places because of his blacksmithing knowledge. He was awarded a medal from the Smithsonian and traveled to Washington DC to receive it. While there he met and shook hands with President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. He also received an award from the Russian Embassy while there. Russ was a lifelong member of the Strongs Community Church where he was affectionately known as "Uncle Russ". Not a service was held without all the children and most of the adults enjoying the bag full of candy he brought for them every week. Russell is survived by one son: Raymond "Rudy"(Billie Jo) Johnson of Strongs MI; three grandchildren, Chad Russell Johnson, Wendy (Scott) Newton, and Erin Johnson; and six great-grandchildren: Tyler, Hunter, Elizabeth, Owen, Bailey, John, and one more on the way: Chad Marcus. He was also known as father to Shirley Moore of Hulbert, MI and as grandfather to Margaret, Jer, David and Melissa. He is survived by one brother, Roy (Alice) Johnson of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, three sisters, Ethel Histed of Strongs, MI, Doris Lamoreaux of Strongs, MI and Ellen (Kay) Lamoreaux of Sault Ste. Marie, MI. and sister-in-laws, Blanche Johnson of Strongs, MI and Arlene Johnson of Dafter, MI. Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Sadie, three brothers, Morley, Ike and Raymond Johnson. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2009 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Strongs Community Bible Church. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the church with Pastor Gary Vansickel officiating. Friends may call at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. Burial will be at Colburn cemetery. Memorials may be left to the Strongs Community Bible Church Youth Program.

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Russell Johnson

October 1, 1917 - August 15, 2009