Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Stephen Douglass Johnson, (74) passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Aurora Bay Care Medical Center in Green Bay. Stephen was a resident of Laurium, Michigan.
He was born on October 31, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN, the first born son of Robert and Eva (Tulkki) Johnson.
He spend his toddler and early childhood years in Finn Town (Humboldt Ave) with his first cousin’s: Peter, Stephanie, Karla, Gene and Michael Tulkki.
After graduating from Wayzata Senior High in 1964, he received a degree in auto mechanics from Dunwoody Industrial Arts in Minneapolis, MN.
Stephen enlisted with the United States Army, serving his country in Vietnam as a mechanic. After his honorable discharge from service, Stephen worked as an auto mechanic in Minnesota and in Laurium Michigan. Stephen was a skilled worker in multiple trades, including auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. He retired as a part time farmer; assisting his son and daughter.
Stephen was an early computer hobbyist, beginning with the first generation of personal computers.
Stephen enjoyed exploring, (with home made dune buggy’s) the old mining and timber trails in Michigan’s Copper Country with his brother in-law; Jerry Kangas.
Stephen loved researching genealogy of the Finnish people. He was known as the person to consult with, when genealogy enthusiasts had questions about their heritage. During a trip to Finland Stephen researched historical Parish records for the Tulkki and Johnson family genealogy.
Stephen spent many hours helping his children with remodeling and repairing their homes. When his grandchildren were old enough, they would ride with him during the many trips around Laurium.
He is preceded in death by his mother – Eva F Johnson, his son -Robert Eli Johnson; his sister – Dagny (Kangas;) his brothers: Robert, Richard, Ronald, Thomas, and Phillip.
He was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Calumet.
He is survived by his children:
Laura Johnson of Kearsarge
Kevin (Melissa) Johnson of Jacobsville
Brian (Carrie) Johnson of Minnesota
Sara (Bret) Pieti of Hancock
Emily Johnson of Laurium
Hannah (Ben) Ruohonen of Boston Location
His grandchildren: Valerie, Alyssa, Kendra, Robbie, Katelyn, Chase, Eli, Max, Isaiah, Aubrey, Coral, Caleb, Emma, Matthew, Andrew, Lydia, Tricia, and Isaac.
His father: Robert R Johnson
His siblings: Loren (Bonnie), Gordon (Linda), Daryl, Barbara (Eric) Eastman, JulieAnn (John) Rahkola, Stuart, Timothy and Heidi (Kurt) Rahkola.
Numerous (100s) nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special friend: Claire Kohlemainen of Calumet
A private family funeral service was held. A graveside service will held in the spring of 2021.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
