Alfred Johnson

Alfred C. Johnson, Jr. exemplified a heart filled with gratitude for all that he had, and was thankful for the family that he so dearly cherished. Although the years brought many challenges, Als faith and trust enabled him to be steadfast in his endeavors. He lived contently, rich in Gods blessings by putting God first, and others before himself. An outgoing and friendly fellow, Al will be lovingly remembered by those whose lives he touched and served. The year was 1913 and America was experiencing much change. Exciting times in this country, the automobile and airplane was transforming the culture from farms and fields to city streets. Conflicts in Europe were quickly escalating, and World War I loomed in the future. It was into this ever-changing world in Muskegon, Michigan that Alfred and Mae (Rasmussen) Johnson, Sr. welcomed the birth of a son they named Alfred Charles Johnson, Jr., born on April 9, 1913. Later joined by younger brother, Robert, Al led a typical childhood growing up. His father, a Pharmacist, ran a drug store located on Franklin and Washington where the family's home was above the store, and his mother was a homemaker. With Als outgoing and friendly demeanor, he often helped his father out at the store. The family faithfully attended Samuel Lutheran Church, a Swedish congregation where many of Als relatives and friends attended. It was here that he met Marie Peterson, who would later become his wife. After attending Nims School, Al went on to Muskegon High School where he became quite social and involved. He played drums in the school band, and softball on the school team. In the throes of the Great Depression, it was a time of great struggle. After graduating, Al took classes at Muskegon Community College for a few years. Eventually, he went to work at Campbell, Wyatt and Cannon Foundry before gaining employment at Bennett Pump. During these years, Al and Marie continued dating. In love, they were blessed in marriage in 1940, moving into Maries childhood home on 8th Street, across the street from church. Al eventually went to work at Norge, a refrigerator manufacturer, where he later advanced to Assistant Production Manager. With America completely involved in World War II, the Muskegon area became a bustling city of industry and manufacturing. Al and Marie welcomed the birth of daughter Charlotte in 1943, followed by son Tom in 1949. The family continued to be faithful members at Samuel Lutheran where Al served in many capacities, even as past Sunday School Superintendent. An attentive and devoted father, Al supported his children in all their endeavors, taking an interest and active role in their lives. In his free time, he found enjoyment bowling on a league. In 1961, Als job was transferred to Arkansas. Life there didnt suit Al or the family well, and within a year, they were back in Muskegon. Al then began working as a purchasing agent with Muskegon Tool Industries. The family moved into a home on Ridge Avenue in the Glenside neighborhood, but in 1966, Marie sadly died. In his early fifties, Al was left to raise their son, in high school, and spent time more involved with the Muskegon Lions Club. Over time, Al became acquainted with, and began dating a woman from church. Doris Carlson Gudelsky, herself a widow, had two sons, Gary and Tom. As it turned out, her nephew was married to Als daughter. There were many things that connected their lives together; they were made for one another as they found true happiness and love in each others company. On October 18, 1969, they were blessed in marriage, making their home at Als house in Glenside. Al and Doris made great friends with a number of couples from church, spending great times together. They were members of the Vikings where Al served as Chaplain, and he continued his involvement with the Lions Club. At one point, he served as President and District Governor. He and Doris became more active at church where Al served on the council. Involved in the community, Al was also a member of the Old Newsboys, and a past President. Al could always be found working on a committee like the Lions Club pancake breakfast's throughout town, or volunteering with fundraising dinners for the Vikings. Well into his seventies, Al kept working, and volunteering. Even after he officially retired, he took on a part-time job with Fleet Engineering a few days a week. Al and Doris found time to travel, making memorable trips to Sweden, Hawaii, and other destinations with friends from church, or for Lions Club functions. He also loved working in his yard, keeping it up with it until a few years ago. Each year, Al made it a point to paint at least one wall of his house. Through the years, Al remained very close to his family. He loved helping his children and grandchildren whenever he could, and was famous for his Grandpa Als Homemade Pizza. Into his nineties, Al continued to volunteer, spending time at Hackley Hospital, or ringing bells at Christmas. A man who truly exemplified a servants heart, Al lived by his motto, God first, others second, and Im third. The years began to slow Al down some, and in January 2009, he took a few falls. In time, his health began to fail, and sadly, he died on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the age of 96. Al is survived by his wife, Doris; sons, Tom (Jane) Johnson of Allendale, Gary (Judy) Gudelsky of OH and Tom (Barb) Gudelsky of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Andrew (Lea) Johnson, Ann Johnson, Jeff Gudelsky, Adrienne Gudelsky, Alexa Gudelsky, Justin Gudelsky, Nicholas Gudelsky and Liza Gudelsky. In addition to his first wife Marie, he was preceded in death by daughter Charlotte Bonner in 2007 and his brother Robert. A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009, 11:00 AM at Samuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Lewis Glick officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials to Samuel Lutheran Church, the Muskegon Host Lions Club or the Linne Lodge #57 Viking Scholarship Fund are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, submit a photo or to sign Als online guest book.