Ronald W. Johnson

Ronald Wayne Johnson, age 76 of Hope, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. The son of the late Cleo W. and Doris M. (Booth) was born in Midland on October 16, 1948. Ron was a 1967 graduate of Bullock Creek High School.  He went on to work with Local 25 Ironworkers for 15 years and then went on to work for Alloy Construction as a Supervisor/Superintendent/Crane Operator/Instructor from 1984 until retiring in 2014. He was a member of the Homer Township Fire Department for 5 years before founding the Lee Township Fire Department where he served as Fire Chief until moving to Hope in 1984.  He then joined Hope Township Fire Department and was a member until retiring in 2012 as Assistant Fire Chief. Ron operated the crane for the first New Year's Eve ball drop on Main St in Midland, MI in 2012, and enjoyed camping, boating, going to Silver Lake Sand dunes, playing the guitar, and cheering loudly at his grandson's sporting events in addition to listening proudly at his guitar gigs.

Surviving is his wife of 55 years, Karen Kay (Lueders) Johnson; his son, Curt Johnson with wife Danielle and children, Madison Greene and Gabriel Johnson; his daughter, Kindy Johnson; and his 9 younger siblings - 5 sisters (Connie, Laurie, Dee, Di, Penny), 4 brothers (Steve, Rick, Randy, Bud), with their families to include his many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ron was also preceded in death by close family/friend Jerry Felske.

Per the wishes of Ron, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to any Firefighter Association, American Heart Association, National Kidney Foundation, &/or Diabetes Association.