Leonard W. Johnson

Leonard W. Johnson, age 87, of Escanaba, passed away Wednesday evening, June 3, 2020 at Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba. He was born on December 14, 1932 in Gladstone, the son of Walter and Bertha (Ericksen) Johnson. Leonard was raised in Stonington and was a 1952 graduate of Rapid River High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during peacetime in Germany until he was honorably discharged. After returning from the service, Leonard worked various construction jobs for a few years in Chicago. He married the former Joan M. Kositzky on August 24, 1957 in Milwaukee and she preceded him in death on December 23, 1997. Together, the couple shared 40 years of marriage and raised 2 children, David and Carol. In the late 1950s, Leonard and Joan moved back to the Upper Peninsula and settled in Wells. He began working at Mead Paper Company on January 8, 1960 and was employed there until his retirement on October 1, 1994. During this time, Leonard was influential in starting the first digester in the kraft mill. Throughout the years, he was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Escanaba and also was a member of the Union Local 110. Leonard liked to work on crossword puzzles, and enjoyed driving around and taking joy rides. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leonard W. Johnson is survived by his son, David Johnson (Peggy Neuens) of Wells; his daughter, Carol (Steve) Pellegrini of Soo Hill; grandchildren, Jason (Courtney) Johnson, Ashley (Adam) Haffley, Katie (John) Venturino, Traci (Mike) Busick, and Nick (Jenilee) Pellegrini; great-grandchildren, Adalyn Haffley, Jacob Haffley, Elise Busick, Evan Busick, Jace Pellegrini, Rhett Pellegrini, and Paislee Pellegrini; 1 sister, Janet (Richard) Carroll of Stonington; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Leonard was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Leon, Dennis, and Ronald Johnson.

Private family visitation and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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