Earl Allen Johnson

Earl Allen Johnson, 91, of Traverse City, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Boardman Lake Glens-Highlander in Traverse City.

Earl was born on Wednesday, January 23, 1924 to the late John and Lena (Batten) Johnson in Edmore. He married the former Margaret Ellen Smith and they had been married for over 50 years when Margaret passed away.

A veteran of WW II, Earl served with the U. S. Navy, and after that enlistment, he joined the U. S. Coast Guard, from which he retired. Earl had also been an LPN and served in a supervisory position at the State Hospital until his retirement. Earl really enjoyed gardening, caring for plants and bushes - growing many tulips and later roses. When that hobby faded, he took up woodworking. He and Margaret would work together on the crafts and then would sell them at craft shows around the area. He also enjoyed his model trains. Earl was a member of First Congregational Church and the Elks.

Earl is survived by his children, Laurie (Spencer Keeler) Schmitt of Wyoming, Steven (Laurie) Johnson of St. Paul, MN, Doris (Bruce) Griffin of Wyoming; 4 grandchildren, Tammy, Krista (Charles) Savinsky, Andrew Johnson and Kathryn Johnson, as well as his great grandsons Nathan and Zachary. Earl's sister Norma (John) Stickler of Bowling Green, OH and brother Vernon Johnson of Edmore also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Margaret.

The funeral service honoring Earl's life will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Earl's name may be directed to First Congregational Church.

Please share your memories of Earl with his family by visiting his online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.