David R. "DJ" Johnson's Obituary
David R. “DJ” Johnson, age 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 27, 1952, to Robert and Delight (Knasel) Johnson in Mishawaka, IN, and grew up in Cheboygan, MI with Mullett Lake as his great backyard.
He graduated from Cheboygan High School and continued his education at Northwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University. He received his bachelor’s degree from WMU and went on to earn his master’s degree in counseling and human resources. David was a dedicated employee of various companies where he held the position of Director of Human Resources, retiring from ESCO in 2017. His job was like a ministry and he genuinely cared for the people he served. His faith and love for the Word guided how he lived his life. On September 24, 1977, he married Deborah Hegedus at Fruitport Congregational Church. Together they cherished 47 years full of love, laughter and endless adventure.
DJ was an avid golfer, boater and water sports fanatic, builder of model airplanes and ice cream enthusiast. Sports were a huge part of his life, bouncing between tennis, karate, basketball or ping pong, but golf was his favorite. He had a passion for astronomy, taking to the night sky to stargaze and pass along his knowledge of the constellations. He enjoyed exploring with his kids and grandkids and loved adventuring through the woods and creeks pointing out the beauty and uniqueness of nature. He was intentional about sharing his interests in stars trees, animals, and living life to the fullest. DJ was a skilled handy man, usually tinkering with projects around his home that he helped build in 1984. He will be loved and remembered as Mr. Nosnhoj, the witty man with the camcorder, master of language and a wiz of word puns. Above all, he cherished the moments spent supporting and showing up for his children and grandchildren.
DJ was a charismatic man who loved meeting new people and had the ability to make you laugh and feel cared for and welcomed always. His big smile and unconditional love will be cherished always by so many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deb Johnson; three children, Ryan (Lisa) Johnson, Abby (Kyle) Snell and Nate (Frannie) Johnson; 10 grandchildren, Tracen, Turner, Truett, Trinley, Emmit, Via, Gil, Louie, Ky’Rah and Westley; two sisters, Melody (Tom) Werner and Brenda (Ron) Schaub; mother-in-law, Marilyn Hegedus; stepmother, Yvonne Johnson Ertle; nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law, Gilbert Hegedus.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 15, 2024, at All Shores Wesleyan Church- Spring Lake campus, 15550 Cleveland St., Spring Lake, MI 49456 with visitation from 10-11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven.
Memorial Contributions in his honor can be directed to Teen Challenge of Muskegon and Kids Belong (Foster Care Support). Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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