David F. Johnson's Obituary
David Fred Johnson, affectionately known as “Pop-Pop” or “Popeye” to his grandchildren, passed away in Grand Rapids, MI, at the age of 63 on January 2, 2024. David was born in Muskegon, MI, on July 25, 1960, to Donald and Bernice (Smith) Johnson, and he attended Muskegon High School. On June 18, 1983, he married the former Michelle Landry, and they spent 40 wonderful years together. David was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, and he dedicated much of his life to honoring other veterans. He was a board member of the Rolling Thunder Inc. Michigan Chapter 4 and was the founder of the “D-Day Plus” event in Muskegon that honored WW2 veterans for many years. He worked for many years as a welder for Neway Anchorlok and was a member of the UAW Local 1703. In his younger years he loved fishing, geocaching, bicycling, and taking his son, Christopher, to truck shows. In more recent years he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, camping all over Michigan, and participating in WW2 reenactments. David was a hard-working man who knew how to fix his own things, and he loved spending time with his family. He always supported his children, showing up to games, band concerts, and competitions, plays, graduations, and parent days for the Navy and college. He was a man of few words, but he could stare at a fire for hours. He had the biggest heart, and his family will miss his great Barney Rubble-like laugh.
David will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Michelle Johnson; two children, Christopher (Susan) Johnson and Dawn (Gerald Faust) Johnson; four grandchildren: Austin Johnson, Kay Johnson, Raymond Meara-Kling, and Hope Arends; and many other friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Bernice Johnson.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be taking place at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 12, 2024, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, with VISITATION taking place an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be directed to Michelle for David’s funeral expenses. Following the service, please join the family for a luncheon from 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM at the VFW Post 3734, 5201 Airline Rd, Muskegon, MI, 49444.
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