Clayton "Swede" F. Johnson

TRAVERSE CITY – Clayton "Swede" F. Johnson, 81, a native of Traverse City died on November 16, 2013 at Munson Hospice House. Swede was born on April 1, 1932 to the late Oscar Marcus and Gladys (Reitzel) Johnson.

Swede is survived by four children; Jan (Tony) Cipollone of Cincinnati, OH, Joe (Dawn) Johnson of Beaver Island, Dr. Julie Johnson and Jill Johnson of Traverse City, a brother, Faye (Bernie) Johnson of Kissimmee, FL, a sister, Beverly (Ed) Mechant of Traverse City. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Matt, Lindsay, Bobby, Jodi, Julie, Taylor and Josie and four great-grandchildren.

Swede graduated from Traverse City Central High School, where he was captain of the tennis team. He served his country in the U.S. Navy for four years. He grew up in the car business, working at his dad's Plymouth and Dodge dealership "Swede's Service" on Front Street. He retired as the Sales Manager from Joslin Chevrolet. Never really quite retiring he was happiest being busy. He went on to sell boats, worked at Elmbrook Golf Course and was Harbor Master at East Bay Marina. He was also a golf ranger in Bonita Springs, FL.

In 1981 he married Virginia Weber, from Minneapolis, MN. She survives him. Being on the waters of Long Lake and Bonita Springs was one of their greatest pleasures.

A heartfelt thank you to Marylee and Laura of Traverse City VA Clinic and the staff of Munson Hospice House for their loving care of Swede.

A memorial service honoring Swede will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Deacon Rene Hoenscheid will officiate.

Friends are welcome to visit with Swede's family at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Munson Hospice or Father Fred Foundation.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service.