Kenneth James Joseph Johnson

Kenneth James Joseph Johnson, Sr. left this earthly life to join his Lord on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 following injuries from an auto accident. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church Street, St. Joseph, with Father James Morris officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends and family may visit on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with Rosary recited at 7:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Kenneth may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kenneth was born on January 29, 1921 in St. Joseph, MI to Christian Michael and Elizabeth (Garlanger) Johnson. He attended the St. Joseph Catholic School system where he met the love of his life, LaVerne Ehrenberg/Modigell.  They were married on June 20, 1942 in the St. Joseph Catholic Church. Ken followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps and became a brick mason.  Shortly thereafter Ken left to protect his country in WWII.  He served for 4 years and returned home with many stories that lasted him a lifetime.  Ken was especially honored to have visited the Vatican and to have met Pope Pius XII. After returning from the War, Ken worked in his spare time building the house they raised their children in and where he lived out the remainder of his days.  He enjoyed driving around the area, and he was more than happy to point out all the many, many buildings and projects that he constructed. Ken was a member of the International Union of Brick layers for 75 years, a devout lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. Ken was a deeply religious man.  He had plans to enter the priesthood until he met LaVerne and chose to marry and have 10 children instead. Ken was the most devoted, loving husband and father. These were the accomplishments he cherished most. There was never a more honest and hardworking man alive. Ken never met a stranger and would start up a conversation with anyone.  He loved to tell stories and up until a few years ago, he could always be found out on one of the piers talking with others and fishing for perch. Ken was extremely proud of and loved all of his 10 children, Irene (Brian) Ledford, Carol (Dennis) Day, Kenneth Johnson Jr., Michael (Marlene) Johnson, Ruth(Butch) Franks, Judy (Dr. Allen) Zencka, Dan Johnson, Mary(Don) Bunnell, Tom Johnson and recently deceased Al (Lorry) Johnson; his grandchildren Randy Romeo, Donald Day, Summer Seale, Mitzi Kalin, Michael Shane Ledford, Micah Johnson, Joseph Romeo, Mia Cook, Michael Johnson, Brooke Johnson and Tate Johnson; along with his 13 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by 5 step grandchildren Judi, Eric, Dawn, Stephanie & David; 14 step great-grandchildren; sister, Delores (Bill) Frantz; brother, Richard Johnson (MaryJane); and many, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVerne; his youngest son, Allan; his father, Christian; his mother, Elizabeth; his brothers, Leo, Allan, Robert, Charles, William, Joseph; and his sisters, Alice, Betty and Ruthie. Dad was a huge presence in our lives, and he left a hole that can never be filled.  We love you, Dad.  You can rest now.