Michael ‘Mickey’ Johnson

Mickey was born on April 21, 1944, in Carlshend, Michigan, to Oscar and Edith (Haglund) Johnson. He spent his early childhood in Carlshend until the age of eight, when his family moved to Marquette. He was a graduate of Graveraet High School, Class of 1962. Following high school, Mickey attended Northern Michigan University for 2 years, and was recruited to play football for the Wildcats.

Mickey began his working career with the Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad, where he dedicated 40 years of service, retiring as a train engineer in 2004. On December 28, 1968, he married Margaret ‘Maggie’ Biegler, and together they built a family and established a home.

A natural athlete and lifelong sportsman, Mickey was known for his talent in playing hockey, football, softball, basketball, wrestling, and later in life golf. He shared that talent by coaching girls’ softball for the Jack & Jill team for many years. Beyond sports, he was a builder at heart, constructing two family homes and a cherished cabin in Carlshend. His family was his greatest pride and joy-he never missed a game, event, or milestone for his children and grandchildren. Mickey’s love for the outdoors ran deep. He was an avid hunter who loved being in the woods, especially when chopping and stacking firewood. Mickey was also a member of the Prince of Peace Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret ‘Maggie’ Johnson of Marquette; his two children, Joanna (Dan) Wiitanen of Green Bay, WI, and Mike (Gena) Johnson of Marquette; his five grandchildren, Miles (Jaden) Johnson, Michael Johnson, and Matthew Johnson, Wyatt Wiitanen, and Lily Jo Wiitanen; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Biegler. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Edith Johnson; his sister, Betty Roberts; brother-in-law, Pierce Roberts; his nephew, David Roberts; and his mother-in-law, Shirley Biegler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS), 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Family and friends are invited to a light luncheon after visitation.

We would like to express our deep gratitude for the staff at UP Health Systems and UP Home Health and Hospice.

The Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.canalefuneral.com