Linwood J. Johnson

Linwood passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at the age of 88. He leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife, Irene, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage, a true love story. He will be sadly missed by his four daughters, Lois, Anne, Kari and Jill, who he loved in his quiet way more and more each day. Lin had the utmost respect and love for his four sons-in-law, George, Alan, Dick and Bill. He was a proud and loving "Grandpa Lin" to Jeremy (Mila), Eden (Chris), Sharon, Paul, Theresa, Tony (Tanya), Gary (Charlotte), Kim (Jon), Jay (Christine), Zane (Serah), Darin (Katherine), Chris and Nick, as well as a "gorgeous" great-grandpa to some special little people. Lin was preceded in death by his parents Eva and Clarence, and his sister Mary Lois, whom he was very fond of. He will also be missed by his extended family and friends. Visitation at the Funeral Home Monday, September 29, 4-6PM. Vigil Service 6PM. Visitation also at HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1016 10th Ave., Menominee, MI, on Tuesday 1:30-2PM. Mass of Christian Burial 2PM. Burial at Riverside Cemetery. Born in Oconto, Wisconsin in 1920, Lin's family moved to Menominee, Michigan later that year. He grew up in Menominee, graduating from Menominee High School in 1938. Lin served in the U.S. Army (First Special Service Force) in WWII, in both the Pacific (Aleutian Island campaign) and European (Italy, France, German) Theaters, and would say that next to his four girls it was his greatest accomplishment. Upon his return he earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from St. Norbert College and the University of Wisconsin, respectively. He taught high school for several years before joining the Kearney & Trecker Corporation in Milwaukee, where he worked for 31 years while raising his daughters. Lin will be remembered first and foremost for his love of family, and for his strong faith and love of his country…and of his Norwegian ancestry. His interests included gardening, photography, current events, music, a good movie, sports and chocolate. He had the gift of "words" as a former English teacher and wrote a lovely letter. There was nobody more organized…files and records of everything! For those who knew him well or just met him briefly he will be remembered as a true gentleman and a "gentle man" in every sense of the word, being unfailingly courteous both at home and away. He was one of a kind, touching many lives in his quiet way, and will forever live on in our hearts and be our constant inspiration. We love you so very much Dad, and will miss you beyond words. Rest in peace. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the kind caregivers of Wheaton Franciscan Hospice and the staff of Franciscan Woods. Memorials may be made in Linwood's name to the Alzheimer's Association.