Norman H. Johnson

Norman was born on April 24, 1939, to Harold and Gertie (Solberg) Johnson. Norman was born and raised in Ishpeming and was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, Class of 1957. Following his graduation, Norman hired on as a seaman working the ore boats on the Great Lakes. In February of 1962, Norman enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the Aircraft Carrier USS Independence. During his naval career, Norman participated in the Blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis and later served as part of a carrier task force in Vietnam. Following his discharge from the Navy in April of 1966, Norman obtained his Able Bodied Seaman’s Card and joined the Merchant Marine. His Merchant Marine service included time spent on transport ships sailing from the US to Vietnam and then on supply boats traveling up the Mekong River delivering supplies and ammunition to ground units stationed along the river.

Upon his return to Michigan following his service, he enrolled at Northern Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education. He taught for one year at Calumet High School, following which he began a long career as a self-employed general contractor. His love of children and educating children continued by substitute teaching when called upon in both the NICE and Ishpeming School Districts and his teaching of drivers education in those districts for the better part of 30 years.

Norman was wed on December 23, 1977, to Mary (Aho) Johnson. Together they shared almost 46 entertaining years of marriage during which time they enjoyed traveling across the United States and raising their family. Norman was actively involved his entire life with Trinity Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, serving on the church council, various committees, and singing in the church choir. He had also been active in the Ishpeming Fast Pitch Softball League in his younger days and was actively involved in the Pioneer Kiwanis and the Superior A’s Model A Club. He was a life member of the Ishpeming VFW and the USS Independence Reunion Association.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Courtney Marie Johnson, and a sister-in-law, Trudy Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Mary Johnson of Ishpeming; a son, Robbie (Liz) Powelson of Ishpeming; a daughter, Tracey (Bruce) Tippett of Champion; a brother, Peter (Kay) Johnson of Ishpeming; three grandchildren, Riley (John) Lawson of Missouri; Rebecca (Matt) Clisch of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Victoria (Tony) Dishaw of Ishpeming; three great- grandchildren, Maija Clisch, Josie Clisch, and Henry Dishaw; a niece Lisa (Mark) Junak of Ishpeming; two nephews, Erik (Lisa) Johnson of Marquette and Chad (Sarah) Johnson of Wisconsin; along with several grandnieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with Bishop Emeritus Thomas Skrenes officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue until the time of the Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. A meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the service.

Memorials in Norman’s memory may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 414 E. Ridge Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Norman’s memorial service will be livestreamed which can be found at Trinity Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/trinityishpeming/.

Norman’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.