Gene R. Johnson

Gene R. Johnson, age 93, of Manitou Beach, MI, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. He was born in Toledo, OH, February 27, 1930 to the late Oliver and Wilda (Zeigler) Johnson. On October 16, 1954 he married Carol Jean Keller, who survives. The couple celebrated 68 years of marriage together.

Gene was a 1949 graduate of Lake High School. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War conflict and was stationed in Trieste, Italy, where he was on the fire department as an inspector. Gene and his father did carpentry work and later he worked as a Supervisor at Champion Spark Plug Co. of Toledo. He retired from Champion in 1985. Some of the hobbies he enjoyed included planting a garden and attending the strawberry patches where they lived in Ottawa Lake, MI, for many years. He and Carol enjoyed traveling and camping in different states, especially Alaska. They also spent some of the winter months in Florida. He was happy to return to vacation in Europe and share his memories of being there earlier in his life.

Gene built a cabin in Roscommon, MI, where his family and friends enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, canoeing, and deer hunting for the men. He and Carol retired to Round Lake, where he loved taking the pontoon boat on leisurely rides. They enjoyed seeing the grandkids and the great grandkids having fun on the lake for many years.

Gene is survived by his loving family, wife, Carol Jean Johnson; children, Cindy (Don) Lashley, Debra Wagner (Tom Liette), Lisa (Gary Zimmerman); grandchildren, Ron (Tricia), Ryan (Christa), Jennifer, Michael (Shawna), Robert (Cassidy), Brent (Sarah); 13 great grandchildren with one on the way this fall; and sister, Patricia (Herb) McMillan. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Rich; and brother, Carl Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will take place for family and friends at the Ottawa Lake Sportsman Club on Friday, June 2, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donations to Hospice of Lenawee County, 1903 Wolf Creek Highway, Adrian, MI 49221. The Family would like to thank Hospice and the wonderful team which included Gretchen, Catherine, Tim, Hailey, and Pastor Bobby Baum. Dad especially enjoyed his visits with Pastor Baum, who will be officiating the memorial service. The wonderful care that Dad received from Hospice allowed him to remain at home, which was his wish.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.reebfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene R. Johnson, please visit our floral store.