Herman C. Johnson

Born in Holland, MI on July 18, 1917, one of 5 sons and 3 daughters, to Herman and Hattie Johnson, Herman graduated from Holland High School in 1935 and earned a Business Degree from LaSalle Extension University in Chicago in 1938. He was employed as a machinist and then as Sales Manager at Universal Camshaft Co. in Muskegon Heights, MI for 32 years, retiring in 1982. He later enjoyed working part-time for the Muskegon Bank and Trust, in the Guest Service Department at Michigan's Adventure Park, and as a security guard for the SS Milwaukee Clipper in Muskegon, MI.

He loved life to the fullest and was always ready to be involved. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church for many years, serving in many capacities. He most enjoyed Sunday School and Sunday School bus ministries. He loved all sports, including baseball, fishing, boating, golf, bowling and hunting; fully enjoying the camaraderie and thrill of the game. He enjoyed spectator sports, especially his Detroit Tigers, and relished his invite into the radio broadcast booth during a 1968 World Series Championship game. Grandchildren and church youngsters received autographed "Tiger" baseballs from him. He was also a fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines football. His grandchildren have wonderful memories of ice cream cones, indoor and outdoor games and grandpa-sponsored “naughty days.”

Herman married his first wife, Ileen Breault Johnson in 1937 and they had a wonderful life until her death in 1973 at age 51 of heart failure. Their marriage produced 3 married children, 7 married grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren; all of whom survive except a precious grandson, Bradley, who passed away at age 3. Children are: son Roger (Judy) Johnson of Ft. Wayne, IN, daughter Karen (Robert) Boerma of South Haven, MI, and daughter Joni (David) Danhof of Vonore, TN. Grandchildren are: Julie (Robert) Hadley of Southlake, TX, Mary Beth (Lee) Camblin of Billings, MT, David (Lisa) Johnson of Henderson, NV, Scott (Amy) Boerma of Whitmore Lake, MI, Janet (John) Vigna of Jenison, MI, Matthew (Kym) Danhof of Jefferson, GA and Jonathan (Jodi) Danhof of Holt, MI. Great-grandchildren are: Virginia and Veronica Hadley, Nathan, Jordan, Madison, and Alexandra Johnson, Bradley, and Benjamin Vigna, Skylar and Avery Danhof, and Callun Danhof.

Herman is survived by a sister Edna (Earl, deceased) Fairbanks and brother Chester (Thelma) Johnson of Holland, MI. He was preceded in death by brothers Raymond (Kay) Johnson, Donald (Lois survives) Johnson, and Warren (Wilma survives) Johnson; as well as sisters Mae (Henry) Oonk, and Ruby (Garrett) Scholten.

In 1973, Herman met and married Lula Jane Kirkpatrick and enjoyed 38 years of marriage with Lula, who survives him with his second family consisting of: 2 daughters Lynette F.(Daniel) Staples of Freeland, MI and Rebecca S. (David) Buhman of Ackley, IA; 8 grandchildren Barb (Brian)Bennett of St. Cloud, FL, Danelle (Mark) Dickerson of Midland, MI, Lynelle (James) Buchanan of Clarks Summit, PA, Sandra (Michael) Herriage of Plant City, FL, Eric (Stephanie)Buhman of Ackley, IA, David (Carlee)Buhman of Ackley, IA, Chad (Lisa) Buhman of Moweaqua, IL, and Andrew Buhman of Ackley, IA. Great-grandchildren are Allan and Michael Bennett; Mark, Matthew, Caitlyn, and Caleb Dickerson; Matthew, Christopher, and Bethany Buchanan; and Jonathan Herriage as well as Joshua, Micah, and Emma Buhman, and Kristen and Kyle Buhman.

A celebration of God’s goodness and Herman’s life will be held at Calvary Church, 5872 Kendra Road, Fruitport, MI on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 11:00 am. Pastor Bill Rudd and Pastor Terry Fulk will be officiating. The family will meet visitors at Ever Rest Funeral Home, 1783 E Keating Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442 on Thursday, January 19th from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. as well as an hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks consideration of memorial gifts to Calvary Church or the Rehabilitation Department of Heartland Health Care Center Knollview,1061 W Hackley Avenue, Muskegon, MI.