Johnson M. Irwin

Johnson was born in Hamtramck, MI, to Clyde and Henrietta Irwin, and grew up in the Dearborn, MI area. In the summers he enjoyed working for his uncles who were farmers and who owned a construction business in Williston, OH. As a young man, answering the call to serve his country, he joined the Army Air Corp and was sent to Denver, CO, for training. Soon thereafter, the love of his life, Marilene (Gottman), boarded a train to join him. They were married in Denver, on January 28, 1943. As an Army Air Corp WWII Veteran, Johnson served with distinction in New Guinea, and participated in the liberation of the South Philippines, Luzon, Western Pacific, & Ryukyus.

Both Johnson and Marilene were entrepreneurial, operating various successful businesses. They opened the Holland Merle Norman Studio in 1991, when they returned to West Michigan to be closer to their family.

Johnson was active in many organizations including his church, business, and fraternal groups. Most recently he attended Grace Chapel by the Lakeshore, in Zeeland, MI.

Johnson and Marilene’s marriage is a 60 year story of love and devotion that served as a legacy to their children and grandchildren.

Johnson is preceded in death by his parents and wife, and also by granddaughter Sandra Kay Bland.

He is survived by his children Diane (James) Breeden of Holland, MI, Dennis (Dolly) Irwin of Byron Center, MI, and David (Lynn) Irwin of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren Rodney C. Bland of Delphos, OH, Brook Brooks of Grandville, MI, Jason Irwin of Forest Hills, MI, and Brent Irwin of Greensboro, NC; and 11 great-grandchildren Brett Brooks, Elaine Brooks, Samantha Brooks, Madeline Brooks, Jessica Bland, Zachary Bland, Nathan Bland, Haley Irwin, Austin Irwin, Aiden Irwin, and Kyra Irwin.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00pm, Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at Grace Chapel by the Lakeshore, 9530 Woodbridge Street, Zeeland, MI, with food and fellowship to follow.

Visitation will be held 5:30-7:30pm, Tuesday June 9, 2015, at Lakeshore Memorial Services, Holland, MI.

Burial will take place privately at Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland, MI.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland.