Michael Johnson

Michael Eugene Johnson was born on May 14, 1962, to John J. and Pam (Pletz) Johnson in Oakland, California. Later, two sisters, Michele and McKim, joined the family. John was a career Navy man and the family moved frequently. They spent the most time in California where Mike attended several schools. He came to love the pounding surf and vastness of the ocean, counting Huntington Beach and San Diego as his favorite places to call home. In high school, he participated in baseball, track, and swimming.

When Michael loved something, he put his whole heart into it, like his passion for the West Coast. Always up for a road trip, he loved driving across the country with his ‘80s Rock ‘n’ Roll cranked. He shared many of his activities with his lifelong friend, Marvin Mikesell. Mike's favorite activity was always fishing. Weather it be in a lake, stream or in the ocean, when Mike had a pole in his hand, he was happy and content. Fishing was his life.

There was one love in his life, however, that was like no other. In 1981, Mike was given the precious gift of his son, Ian. He was proud of Ian and wanted the best for him. Unfortunately, Mike was not always able to provide it, living in the bleak fog of alcoholism for many years. Mike eventually lost everything, including his job, his home, and worst of all, relationships. Through it all, Mike still had a very strong relationship with his family always looking forward to seeing them.

Thankfully, Mike emerged from the fog in 1991 as he sobered up and began piecing his life back together. He moved to Battle Creek in 1993 and found a job at Koyo Manufacturing. He took pride in renovating his home on Watkins Road as he renovated his life. Mike's home was his pride and joy. He put sweat and tears into his house to make it perfect. He was thrilled that he could begin repairing damaged relationships and was even able to build new ones. He started dating Karla LaBough, a woman with two young children, Brandy and Brent, whom Mike loved dearly. He took every opportunity to share honestly with young people about his own mistakes and the devastation alcohol can cause.

In 2006, Mike was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had already faced the demon of alcoholism every day for fifteen years, and was determined to fight cancer with the same steadfastness. He endured his treatments with strength and hope but eventually the cancer metastasized to his bone and Mike weakened. Through it all he never complained or questioned why. Michele came to his house every day to care for him. When he knew that his battle was close to an end, his heart ached to be home by the ocean. On October 21, 2007, he and Michele left for California with his mom and his godmother, Betty Mikesell. He took one last, grateful look around Surf City and San Diego, visiting friends, family, and his favorite surf shops.

About a week into their trip, Mike was admitted to a hospital in Vista, California. The family was grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye. As they were getting into their van to leave, Michael died in their presence on Friday, November 2, 2007. His example of strength and perseverance will continue to touch the lives of those who knew him.

Mike is survived by his son, Ian Mora; his mother, Pam Johnson (Mike Riley); his father, John (Marleny) Johnson; sisters, Michele (Kevin) Holzinger and McKim (Ron) Tucker; godmother, Betty Mikesell; and nieces, nephews, and friends.

A service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held on Thursday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van’t Hof Chapel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Friends are invited to meet his family on Thursday from noon until the service begins. Please visit Mike’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or sign the online guest register.