Michael E. Johnson, 66, Hobart, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 17, 2023, at his home following a year-long courageous battle with cancer.
The son of Edward and Delores (Demboski) Johnson was born April 28, 1957, in Green Bay and grew up in Pulaski, where he was a 1975 graduate of Pulaski High School. Following graduation, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until his honorable discharge in 1980. It was an important part of Mike’s life. In the past 10 years, he attended multiple USMC reunions with his buddies from his duty station in Hawaii and his brother, Jeff. Just three short weeks ago on July 28th, Mike was honored to be a part of the Old Glory Honor Flight return ceremony. After his military service, Mike worked in the paper mill industry for most of his life.
In his youth, Mike / MJ / Jonce was an active participant in sports. His love for softball, basketball, and golf stayed with him throughout his adult life. He was a WIAA Official for area high school sports. In addition to playing in the USMC softball league in Hawaii, Mike played softball for Joe’s Place in Pulaski for many years. He also always enjoyed a good round of golf with his uncles and his friends. And, of course, he was an avid fan of all the Wisconsin sports teams. Although age eventually caught up to him, Mike enjoyed playing sports with his children, both when they were small and then adults themselves. He was their best fan.
Spending time with his family was important to him as well. He loved the time they spent around the campfire up north, a place where there was much laughter and many memories were made.
Survivors include his significant other, Debbie Wright, Hobart; his children: Christopher (Heather) Winkler, Iowa, Wesley (Amy) Johnson, DePere, Taylor (Adam) Gee, Illinois, and Samantha (Brandon) Stuckert, Green Bay; eight grandchildren: Dayton and Kaitlyn, Maryiah and Hailey, Payton and Emma, and Lucas and Evelyn… and a ninth grandchild on the way; his siblings: Kathy Johnson (Bruce Watruba), Mountain, Bobby (Kathy) Johnson, Shawano, Jeff (Maria) Johnson, Wautoma, and Mary Beth (Dan) Klann, Howard; aunts and uncles: Ina (Don) Lamb, Betty Johnson, and Herb (Cindy) Peterson; the mother of his children, Pam Johnson, Pulaski; several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by a nephew, Joe (Jo Jo) Nickolai, and aunts and uncles.
Friends are invited to gather with the family at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 119 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, on Saturday, August 26th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. You are encouraged to wear your favorite sports attire. The Funeral Service will be celebrated at 12:00 noon at the church, Fr. David Kobak, O.F.M. officiating, followed by military honors by the Pulaski Area Veterans.
Mike’s family would like to thank Deb for taking such good care of our dad and brother, helping him until the end, the staff of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center, Unity Hospice, and everyone who has extended their loving kindness.
Online Condolences may be expressed at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.
“We love you as high as the sky and as deep as the sea!”