Michael S Johnson

The strong spirit and determined personality of our loving husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend, Michael S Johnson (Mike) has returned to his Heavenly Father. Michael was born on February 20, 1942, in Murray UT to Adolph and Elma Johnson. He was the last child of five children, preceded in death by siblings, Ronald, Marilyn, LaMar, and Eileen. Mike passed away on October 26, 2026, from the effects of renal failure following a great life of love and service to others. He was surrounded by his loving family who sustained him in the final years of his life.

Mike was raised as a farm boy in Riverton and learned the value of hard work at an early age. He never forgot those lessons and developed a relentless work ethic that spread infectiously to all those he encountered in life. Growing up in Riverton, during the 1950s, provided a young boy with a horse unlimited opportunities for entertainment and mischief. Mike enjoyed every moment and adventure in the foothills, farms, and canals of the Southwest Salt Lake Valley. Mike was a proud graduate of Bingham High School, class of 1960; Go Miners! He served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1960 – 1968 and was awarded the expert marksman ribbon for his mastery of the M-1 rifle.

His life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Mary, through a chance encounter, in May of 1961, while cruising State Street in Salt Lake City. Mike was bitten by the love bug and there was nothing that would change his mind about being with the woman he loved. They were married on August 12, 1961, and celebrated 65 years of marriage this past year with a celebratory family dinner.

Mike possessed a gifted mechanical aptitude. He could diagnose and repair any mechanical problem he encountered by sight, touch, sound, and smell; no on-board diagnostics in his day. He graduated from the Heavy Equipment Mechanic Apprentice program at Trade Tech (Salt Lake Community College) and spent 40 years working at Kennecott Copper Corporation, as well as many years working part-time for Staker Paving, and DeLuca Brothers Excavating. Mike loved his Ford trucks, especially the 1956 F100, and was always looking for his next truck.

Together, Mike and Mary raised three children, Scott (Lisa), Tony (Jan), and Tawna (Greg). They’ve been blessed with nine grandchildren, Trisha, Kaity (Broch), Heather (Garrett), Tyler (Hazel), Hailee (Kaleb), Alex (Sara), Madison (Trevar), Sydney (Ryan), and Zach, as well as nine great-grandchildren. Uncle Mike was also a strong role model, mentor, and example to numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike will be greatly missed, but he is forever in our hearts and in the special memories we all shared with him. Our family sends a warm and special thanks to all the staff of Riverton IHC and Murray IMC, who made his final days as comfortable as possible and for the love, compassion, and empathy they shared with our family. Thank you to all those who prayed for Mike, and with our family. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to perform an act of kindness, give someone a hug, and tell them you love them in honor of Mike.

Mike lived his entire life on 3600 West in Riverton, UT and was comforted with the fact that he would rest across the street from where he grew up and raised his family. A viewing for Mike’s family and friends will be held Sunday, November 1st from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Monday the 2nd from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the LDS Wardhouse located at 12154 S 3600 W, Riverton UT. Interment services will begin at 12:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley located at 13001 S 3600 W.