Dennis "Denny" Johnson

As many of you know he has dealt with health issues over the last 9 years since his heart attack in 2016. His health took a toll on him and he passed away in his sleep.

We are stunned by his unexpected loss and overwhelmed with sadness, stress and confusion. He leaves behind his three daughters, Vicki, Gina, and Lisa, all of which he shared a special bond. He leaves behind seven grand babies, Caleb, Fiametta, Isaiah, Avery, Israel, Julian and Gianna, all who he absolutely adored. He also leaves behind his three older siblings, Larry, Diane, and Dawn and many nieces, nephews and distant relatives. He loved all of his family deeply and always looked forward to visits, reunions and time reconnecting.

Denny was the fourth born child of Lynn and Anita Johnson. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Mi, He was a free spirit, loving, full of joy and energy, and always trying to make someone laugh.

He Graduated from Lee High School in Wyoming, MI where he was a Cross Country runner. He loved recalling his record speeds.

His passions were cooking, boating, gardening, working with computers and all things entertainment technology. He loved to tinker. His quest to recreate his mother in law’s spaghetti sauce, among other secret recipes, left many a kitchen catastrophe. He cooked for everyone who’d let him and his pico de gallo and salsas were not for the weak!! He enjoyed the beach, especially the lakes. Saugatuck, MI was one of his favorite little towns to relax and have a good time with friends.

Denny moved to Holland, MI in the 90’s and had multiple long-term jobs working at places like Trendway, Community Ed., Enviroclean, Domino’s and Meijer. He lived there until late 2016, when he moved to California to be closer to one daughter as another was moving to Utah and the other was living overseas. He lived his remaining years in California enjoying the high desert climate, beauty, mountain views, family and friends who became family. He loved his job at Lowe’s and his coworkers. He also thoroughly enjoyed his short stint as an Uber driver. The stories he told of Coachella rides had him over the moon with excitement and entertainment.

If Denny met you, he knew and loved you, and never forgot you. Denny was never shy, not ever. He would make friends everywhere he went, whether they liked it or not! His girls were his life and their babies gave him new identity, Grandpa. What a grandpa he was! He will be dearly missed. He was so deeply loved and always thought of.