Ronald L. "R.J." Johnson

Ronald L. “R.J.” Johnson, 87, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility. Ron was born May 20, 1934 in Marquette, MI, son of the late Arne and Helen (Fosmo) Johnson. He graduated from Graveraet High School in Marquette, MI where he played hockey, basketball and football. He had a full scholarship to play hockey at Michigan State University but chose to attend Northern Michigan University because his mother was dying of breast cancer and wanted to be close to her. During his attendance at NMU, he played four years of football and was captain of the football team his senior year. He also met the love of his life, Carol, at NMU. He went on to receive his Master’s in Education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. On June 14, 1958, Ron was united in marriage to Carol Eckola and the two shared 63 years together. Ron worked in several school districts prior to taking a position with the Forest Park School District as High School Principal and Athletic Director from 1970 until 1981, and then became the guidance counselor at Forest Park until his retirement in 1989. Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. Although Ron was an extraordinary athlete, Ron’s life and memory are not defined by sports. Those who worked with Ron and those that were close to him knew him best for his honor, integrity and compassion. For others, he was at times a source of support and relief in their times of troubled waters. The lives he influenced in a positive way, especially young lives, will never be matched. He was an old school educator with compassion and understanding that you could trust and rely on. He was unique in every way. Unknown to him as a young teacher, his decision to work at Forest Park would lead to the creation of an extended family that would not exist today without his influence. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol; son, Aaron (Jean) Johnson of Ironwood; daughters, Lori (Mike) Betti of Iron Mountain, Katrina (Dave) Anderson of Aurora, WI and Julie (Emil) Kezerle of Iron River; grandchildren, Brittany (Abe) Khoury, Matthew Johnson (Jess), Ryan (Torina) Hendershott, Chelsea (Jamey) McCole, Korie (Bob) Reid and Connor Kezerle; and great-grandchildren, Haley, Raelynn, Ryan, Zoey, Aubree, Easton, Brogan, and Layla. In addition to both of his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Melka and his brother, Lowell Johnson. Private family services will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Marquette Cemetery Park. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Ronald L. Johnson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Ronald L. "R.J." Johnson

May 20, 1934 - April 7, 2022