William E. Johnson, 86, of Traverse City died peacefully Monday, March 28, 2016 at Traverse Manor. Bill was born October 12, 1929 in Detroit, MI to Clifford and Marion (King) Johnson. A few years later his family moved back to Ludington, MI where his father had grown up. Bill's family was surrounded there by a close network of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, living in the family home that his grandfather had built. Bill graduated from Ludington High School. He married Joanne C. Blucker on December 29, 1951 in Ludington at St. John's Lutheran Church They enjoyed a blessed marriage for over 59 years.

Bill attended Michigan State University where he studied Civil Engineering and played the trombone in the Spartan marching band. After graduation from MSU he worked for Goodyear Atomic Energy as part of the construction engineering team building the gaseous diffusion plant at Piketon, Ohio. The family soon moved back to Northern Michigan where Bill worked as a civil and structural engineer for several different employers, including the Leelanau County Road Commission, Purvis Brothers & Perla and Stout. He later owned Johnson Associates in Traverse City for many years. He designed the structural support systems for many schools, commercial buildings and other facilities throughout the area.

Bill was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City since 1959 where he spent many volunteer hours on The Board of Elders, Christian Education, Chairman of the Congregation, several bible study groups, a member of the choir and many other church activities. Bill was a leader at church who felt that he should give of his abilities to help wherever needed.

Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as spending time outdoors. After retirement he and Joanne enjoyed traveling to see various parts of the United States.

Surviving Bill are his sons James (Joy) of Traverse City and their children Timothy, Kathryn, David (Jessica) with children Israel and Anna Hope, and Daniel (Stephanie) with children Zoey and Emmett; Thomas (Janice) of Traverse City and their children Stefanie (Bob) Miller with son Jacob, and Andrew; and Steven (Lisa) of Parker, CO; his sister Ada (David) Kidd of Okemos and many other family members and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife Joanne.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 7 at 1:00 pm with visitation starting at noon.

Memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran School Scholarship Fund or Hospice of Michigan.

Kindly share thoughts and memories with Bill's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.