Lois Johnson

When reflecting on the life of Lois Johnson, words such as outgoing, talkative, and independent come to mind. She was not afraid to take charge of things and didn’t hesitate to do things her own way, either. Lois also had a huge heart, especially when it came to her family as she lived to care for her husband, children, and grandchildren. During her sunset years she became a great-grandmother, and there was nothing she loved more than doting over her great-granddaughter. Lois was a woman of faith who had a servant’s heart and a desire to impact the lives of those around her in a positive way. She will be deeply missed while the memories she leaves behind are forever cherished.

The 1920s were an exciting time to be an American when innovation was fueling countless advancements that transformed the way we lived our everyday lives. Cars were more affordable because of the assembly line, and with radios coming onto the scene Calvin Coolidge became the first President of the United States to have his inaugural address broadcast over the airwaves. The world of flight was growing like never before, and the silent film era came to an end. Amidst this exciting time there was much to celebrate in the lives of a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on March 7, 1926. Lois Jeanne was the only child born to her parents, William Boet and Angie Magdalen (Luidens) Mull, and she was raised in the family home on Fountain Street.

In many ways Lois experienced an upbringing that was reflective of her generation. Her father worked as a chemical salesman whose territory included the Upper Peninsula, which meant that the family enjoyed several summers there while he was working. Lois attended Diamond Elementary and later went on to Grand Rapids Central High School. While in school she was quite the social butterfly, and she also enjoyed playing the accordion.

After graduating from high school in 1944, Lois was ready to embark on all that the world had in store. She went on to take one year of bookkeeping classes at Grand Rapids Junior College. Lois was deeply saddened with the death of her father when she was 21, but her mother later remarried Frank Parsh who was also a loving father and grandfather to her children.

New and exciting changes were in store for Lois when she met the man with whom she would spend the best years of her life. His name was Joseph Johnson, and he was the contractor who was working on building her parents’ new house in 1956. With a desire to share the rest of their lives together, Lois and Joe were married on August 8, 1969. The newlyweds towed their trailer behind their new car up to the Upper Peninsula where they enjoyed their honeymoon. They initially lived in their home at Ivanhoe, NE as husband and wife, but they later moved to the Rockford area while Joe built their new home on Joyce Street. Together they raised three children, William, Richard, and Lizbeth.

As a mother Lois was an active part of her children’s lives. She was always there for their activities including as a room mother, den mother, and in support of their various sports teams. Lois knew how to enforce the rules, but she saw to it that her children had plenty of fun along the way. They continued to enjoy vacations in the Upper Peninsula where Lois could satiate her more adventurous side, and she absolutely loved camping. She even took all three of her children on a car trailer trip around Lake Superior in 1966 all on her own. As a family they attended Central Reformed Church and later became members of Bethany Reformed Church before eventually attending First Evangelical Covenant Church.

Through the years Lois was one to keep busy. During the 1970s she spent some time working in the office at Clark Home. Lois enjoyed being in the kitchen and took great pride in preparing traditional Dutch and Swedish foods with her beef roast and red cabbage being among her family’s favorite dishes. Always interested in finding new recipes, she enjoyed reading cookbooks. In addition, Lois could often be found reading magazines. She was an amazing knitter who made things like sweaters, hats, mittens, and scarves, and it was not uncommon for Lois to give what she made away. She wasn’t much of a collector, but she did love fine china.

When she got older Lois was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandmother. She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren and extended family and enjoyed her time with them. In 2004 Lois and Joe moved to Muskegon to be closer to Beth and Bob. By 2007 Joe was in need of more care, which brought them to the Holland Home. In 2010, Lois was deeply saddened with her beloved husband’s death.

All who knew Lois Johnson would agree that she was an amazing woman to know and love. She was a spiritual woman filled with endless amounts of unconditional love for others including her family who was her greatest source of pride and joy. Lois was a confident woman who was comfortable with authority as being a leader came naturally to her. With a warm and approachable demeanor she had a way of making others feel at ease, and she was quick to greet others with a friendly “hello.” Although Lois will be deeply missed, her timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow her.

JOHNSON – Mrs. Lois Jeanne Johnson, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away June 8, 2014. Lois was born March 7, 1926 to William Boet Mull and Angie Luidens Mull. She loved to spend time with her family and enjoyed many vacations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Lois also relished cooking, and more recently, enjoyed her knitting group and the Wii Bowling League at Fulton Manor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Johnson, in 2010 and by her son William Powell. Surviving are her children: Richard Powell, Lizbeth and Robert Burns; her grandchildren: Andrew Burns, Emily Burns and fiance Carl Byington, Ryan (Sandra) Powell, Matthew Powell; her great granddaughters: Riley and Jade; her sister-in-law Chris Johnson (Froman) and daughter-in-law Linda Powell. A graveside service was held at Greenwood Cemetery. To read more of Lois' life, share a memory or sign the online register book please visit www.lifestorynet.com.