Milton William Johns

Milton was born on September 23, 1930, to William and Florence Dagmar (Olson) Johns in Houghton, the third oldest child and first son. Following his birth, the family moved to Ramsey and later Michigamme where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1948. After graduation, Milton moved to the Detroit area where he worked briefly for a lathing company before being drafted into the Army to serve during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge in California following 1 1/2 years of duty, he returned to Michigamme. He took a job in St. Paul, Minnesota, putting up storefronts for a couple of years before returning to Marquette where he was employed by Cliff Dow for the next 14 years. Later employments were with Cleveland Cliffs Incorporated in the Eagle Mills, Mather B, and Empire Mine. He retired from the Empire Mine.

On July 16, 1966, Milton was united in marriage to Patricia Lois Priebe Roy at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Green Garden. The couple established their home and began raising a family which would consist of David, Mary, and Cynthia.

Milton and Pat were active members of Calvary Lutheran Church where he served in a variety of roles including in a leadership capacity. Milton also volunteered his time to community endeavors, serving as a volunteer fireman, including Fire Chief for many years until his retirement. When he wasn’t involved in helping others, home renovation or car maintenance, he spent his time traveling by way of airplane, ship or RV; he’s visited Japan, cruised the Caribbean, and drove his RV to Washington DC, Florida, New Mexico, California, and all states in between. When back home in the UP, you would find him either camping, playing cribbage, bowling or working on crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Milton is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia; his children, David (Rieko) Johns of Tokyo, Japan, Mary (Michael) Horvath of Gwinn, and Cynthia Sobczak of Harvey; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his siblings, Shirley (Budd) Labine and Dorothy (Ken) Fortin; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and acquaintances.

In addition to his parents, Milton was preceded in death by a sister, June Adelaide Johns DePetro and brother, Paul Johns; as well as other friends and acquaintances.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Lake Superior Hospice for their compassionate, professional care of Milton and for the many kindnesses they extended to the family. The family will receive relatives and friends at Calvary Lutheran Church on Thursday, June 17, beginning at 9:30 am, until the time of service at 11:00 am. Rev. Andrew Schaller, pastor, will officiate. Interment, with veterans honors, will be made at Northland Chapel Gardens followed a reception at the church.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com