As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Michael Eugene Johnson, age 73, of Painesdale, passed away on March 26, 2026, in the comfort of hospice care at home with family by his side, after a struggle with illness that hospitalized him at U.P. Health Portage, and later St Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, WI. Michael was born March 13, 1953, to Clarice (Wayranen) and Eugene Johnson, in Hancock.
Graduate of Painesdale-Jeffers High School, class of 1972, as a young man out of high school, set out to experience adventures in life, which led him to various industrious type jobs. His most proud were years sailing the Great Lakes aboard the ‘William K Ford’ freighter, Soo Line Railroad, and Grisailles Glass Company in Houghton.
Michael attended Northern Michigan University: first, pursuing certification in Auto body repair mechanics and later for second certification in food service production, which led him to positions at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, concession work on Isle Royale National Park, E.B Holman School, eventually retiring from the Houghton County Medical Care Facility after 27 years of service.
Michael was united in marriage to Susan ‘Sue’ (Manderfield) Johnson on Friday, November 23, 1990, at the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock. All in all, the couple shared almost 40 years of life together, nothing was more important than the needs of his family and raised two amazing sons. Connor Eugene of Marquette, and Myles (Marissa Graff) of Moorehead, MN/Fargo, ND area, and proud to take on the role of ‘grampa’ to one grandson Caleb Michael. Johnson was always very proud of their education and career pursuits. He enjoyed being supportive and watching both in various activities of youth and high school activities and beyond.
Michael is survived by his wife of 35+ years, his sons and grandson, and further survived by one sister, Iris (Roy) Jarvela of Bumbletown. One niece, Shannon Larsen of Arizona. One Aunt, Ruth Wisti of Hancock, cousins Mark (Amy) Wisti of Houghton, Dan Wisti -Chassell, Eric – Chassell, and John of Houghton.
Mr. Johnson is also survived by the whole gang of Manderfields: sisters-in-law, Judy Coxen of Oxford, MI. Paula (David Gilstrap) Manderfield of East Lansing, Cecelia (Gary) Bakkala of Chassell, Lesli (Pete) Manderfield, Houghton. Brothers-in-law, Matt Manderfield & Michael (Cynthia) Manderfield of Atlantic Mine, James Manderfield-Chassell, David (Kathy) of Houghton. And a bunch of nieces and nephews who he thoroughly enjoyed conversing on common subjects and with great humor.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and in-laws, Matt Sr. & Florence Manderfield. Sister-in-law, Joan Moore, Rosemary Manderfield, and brother-in-law, Peter Manderfield; niece-in-law, Megan Manderfield.
Michael acquired few names throughout his lifetime, known to many as ‘puppy dog’ from years around ‘buck bay’. ‘Chief’ acquired from his sons and grew in time with relatives, and BIG JOHNSON, from nephews BIG NICK, BIG MARKUS, BIG ADAM, BIG JARED. He was often recipient of Matt Jr’s “hugs”, and Michael Hannela’s visits and enjoyed being reacquainted with Bradford.
While Michael had many interests in life, most enjoyed cruises with family and friends around Copper Country, visiting various landmarks and visiting establishments here and there along the way. Family dinners, barbecues, Sandy Lake -Manderfield Chicken BBQ events as favorites. And for almost the last 10 years, every Tuesday, cruising with his bestman and lifetime buddy, Richard Chamberlain.
The family wishes to acknowledge everyone who contributed to his health care needs during this time, especially the nurses and care team of Aspirus Home Hospice, and the exceptional, specialized care received at St Vincent Hospital-Pulmonology, along with staff at Dr. DeYoung and UGLFH clinic in Houghton.
A Prayer service for Michael will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel in South Range, where family and friends can visit from 10 am-11:30am, with a prayer service at 11:30 am. By Mr. Johnson’s request, cremation has taken place, a burial will take place later in Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.
To view Michael’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Services of Hancock is assisting the family.
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