Jon Johnson

Jon Johnson was a fun, goofy guy, who knew a little about everything and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Everyone liked Jon, and with good reason – with his wonderful sense of humor, laid-back personality, and affectionate nature, Jon made friends everywhere he went! Jon’s kindness, humor, and love for his family and friends will live on in the hearts and memories of all those whose lives he touched; he was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed.

The 1950s were a decade of transition in the United States, a time when the nation both recovered from World War II and became increasingly involved in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Jon was born on December 11, 1953, and shared his birth year with the invention of the transistor radio, the sales of the first color televisions, and the development of the first polio vaccine.

Jon’s proud parents, Donald and Betty (Bell) Johnson, brought the newest member of their family home to Flint, Michigan. One of five children, Jon was reserved around strangers, but wasted no time in revealing his mischievous side to friends and family! Jon loved the outdoors, and made many happy memories camping up north with his family. He also enjoyed playing with the family pet – a spider monkey, known as Charlie. Although Jon wasn’t a huge fan of school, he did enjoy playing football during his freshman year, and graduated from Corunna High School in 1972.

After graduation, Jon worked as a plumber with his father at Booth Plumbing. It wasn’t long before Jon left to join the Army, however, and he served his country honorably from 1975 to 1981. Back home in Michigan, Jon found a job as a factory worker at Universal Electric (later A.O. smith), where he would be a loyal employee for the next 28 years.

It was while he was working at Universal that Jon met the woman who would be the love of his life: Jane Wenzlick. Jon and Jane hit it off right away, and dated for the next three years. On April 4, 1987, the happy couple was married in Corunna, Michigan. Although the wedding went according to plan, they had to cancel the honeymoon – Jon had fractured several ribs at his bachelor party the day before! As the years went by, Jon was blessed with 3 children: Ryan, Jeremy, and Nicole. Jon was a wonderful father, loving and affectionate, and showed his family every day how much he loved them.

In his free time, Jon could often be spotted around the house and yard, keeping everything in tiptop shape. He was very handy, and friends and family often gave Jon a call when something needed to be fixed. In fact, Jon loved all things outdoors, and was equally happy camping, fishing, or working in his garden. Each year, Jon looked forward to an annual fishing trip in Canada, which he took with his father and brothers. Closer to home, Jon enjoyed watching Nascar and cheering on his favorite Detroit sports teams, especially the Lions.

Sadly, Jon’s health began to decline in 2006. He suffered from chronic back problems, and was also diagnosed with COPD and emphysema. Although the past few years have been challenging in many ways, Jon took great comfort from his relationships with good friends and, of course, his beloved family members.

Fun loving, humorous, and kind hearted, Jon was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a friend to everyone he met. Jon will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Mr. Jon Michael Johnson died peacefully on July 12, 2013, at the age of 59. Jon’s family includes his wife, Jane (Wenzlick) Johnson; his children, Ryan (Renee) Soukup of Elsie, Jeremy (Kristen) Soukup of Owosso, and Nicole Johnson of Brant, MI; his grandchildren, Kaleigh, Parker, Mason, and Mitchell Soukup; his father, Donald Johnson; his brothers, David (Michelle) Johnson and Joe Johnson; his sister, Sylvia Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. Jon was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Johnson; and his brother, Larry Johnson.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 E. Oak St., Ovid, MI 48861. Memorial Services with Military Honors will be held at 2 .m. at the Houghton Chapel. Memorial donations may be made in Jon’s honor to Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing, MI 48910. Please visit Jon’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/92619, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.