Roger D. Johnson's Obituary
Mr. Roger D. Johnson, 72, passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening , January 18, 2024, at his home with his wife at his side. He was born May 18, 1951, to Cloise P. and Sarah (Fisher) Johnson in Muskegon and was a lifelong resident. Roger attended grade school at Muskegon Christian and graduated from Mona Shores High School. He retired from West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters and Service Trades Local Union No. 174 where he worked most of his life as a Pipe Fitter. He was a long-time member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church. He married his best friend, Nancy J. Karum, on October 1, 1977 and she survives him along with two daughters: Kelly (Rob) Wierenga and Candice Johnson; two grandchildren: Owen and Macy Adams; Brothers-in-law Lance (Lou Ann) Karum & Robert Karum; Sisters-in-law Sandy (Dave) Forester & Sandy Johnson; Step-mother Jan Johnson; Beloved former exchange student Chipo (Dumi) Chikara-Nyoni; several cousins, nieces & nephews, good friends as well as his faithful labrador retriever, Roxie. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Alan and David, and a sister Claudia.
Roger was a very kind, tender-hearted man, and was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He loved nature and being outdoors, particularly visiting State and National Parks. His love of travel gave him opportunities to visit many parts of the US and other countries. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, kayaking, camping, and nature photography. He also enjoyed woodworking and inventing new and interesting ways to re-engineer just about anything. He looked forward to completing and enjoying his summer house on Hamlin Lake, full of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. His cooking and baking often led to huge batches of soup and cheese bread that he particularly liked to share with others. He will be remembered as being a voracious learner with a head full of random knowledge, the answerer of questions, and eager to talk about all subjects.
A service to remember and celebrate Roger’s life will be held Saturday January 27th at 4:00pm at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, 49444. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service.
Contributions in Roger’s memory may be made to the National Parks Foundation (nationalparks.org), Michigan State Parks, or Calvin Church.
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