Dennis Ward Johnson, 68, of Vestaburg, MI, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, May 6, after a year-long battle against pancreatic cancer. Dennis enjoyed being a part of his community, with countless friends dropping by to hang out, chat, and play cards. Playing cards was an enduring pastime for Dennis, and throughout the years he taught many people how to play cribbage–a game he particularly excelled at. Dennis also loved the outdoors. He spent a lot of time throughout the years fishing (particularly salmon on the Betsie and Pere Marquette Rivers) and hunting. His children adored going out in the woods with him, learning to find morels, to fish, and to hunt. Another major part of Dennis’s life was being an avid tinkerer. He knew how to fix nearly anything you put in front of him. He always had some project to work on, whether that was for work during his early career or something at home in his later years. As with any good father, Dennis took pride in his children and their successes, and as Dennis became a grandfather, he took particular joy in seeing his grandchildren. He lit up whenever he saw any of his three grandsons, and loved spending time with them.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 49 years, Debra; his children, Rachel Johnson, Andrea (Chris Beer) Johnson, and Jason (Brittany) Johnson; his grandsons, Fletcher, Finnegan, and Maxwell; as well as by his brother (Mark), his sisters (Sue and Paige) and their families. He is pre-deceased by his parents (Charles and Betty Jo Johnson).
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
