Carl Johnson

GRANITE BLUFF - Carl Elvir Johnson, 77, of Granite Bluff, passed away on Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, following a 19-month bout with cancer. Carl's perseverance during this time allowed him to enjoy his grandchildren's activities, family birthdays and gatherings, working around the home and camp, hunting season, the many shopping trips to Iron Mountain with his wife, Dee, the weekly breakfast outings with longtime friend, Jack Carlson and especially Christmas 2006, which was a special time for the entire family. Carl was born on April 26, 1929, in Merriman, son of the late Amos and Olga (Johnson) Johnson. He was raised in Granite Bluff, north of Iron Mountain. He worked on the family farm and attended school at the Merriman school house and then Kingsford High School, where he graduated in 1947. Carl married Delores M. Lange on Nov. 12, 1949, at the First Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. They built their home in Granite Bluff and together they raised three children there. All three of their children followed in his footsteps and built homes in Granite Bluff, where they all reside with their families. He was a member of the Operating Engineer's Local 324. He proudly reflected on the work he did on the Mackinac Bridge. He retired in 1991. Carl enjoyed spending time at "the camp" and had a successful hunting season in November 2006. His love for the outdoors and hard work kept him going. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He loved family time and had his own wry, yet comical sense of humor along with a warm heart and giving soul. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was referred to by extended family as the "Mayor of Granite Bluff". He often joked, "I'm rough and I'm tough and I come from Granite Bluff and the further you go the tougher they get and I live in the last house". Carl leaves a legacy for all who knew him. Carl is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dee; daughter, Carla (Mike) Hiatt, their children, Kate, Tracy (Kyle) and Alex; son, Ward (LeeAnn) Johnson, his children, Fawn (Joel) and Dustin (Julie); daughter, Lynn (Jay) Walsh, their children, Tierney, Lacey and Tanner; sister-in-law, Bev Johnson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Janice Lange and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven in 1956, parents, Olga and Amos Johnson; in-laws, Walt and Mary Lange; brothers, Jack and Bill (Lois) Johnson; and brother-in-law, Wally Lange. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Michael March will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Johnson, Mike Johnson, Brady Johnson, Terry Johnson, Scott Johnson, Jack Carlson, Rich Erickson, and Bill Noyes. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Carl E. Johnson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Carl Johnson

February 5, 1930 - February 5, 2007