Leroy Robert Johnson

LeRoy Robert Johnson was a vigorous man who poured his energy into his family, his work and his own well-being. He invested in the lives of his children and made life sweet for his beloved wife. He was adventurous in taking to the road on a bicycle yet stable enough to work a long career with one company. As an avid cyclist, valued friend and longtime church member, LeRoy was fit physically, socially and spiritually. LeRoy Robert was born to David and Ethel (Stark) Johnson in Muskegon, Michigan on February 23, 1928 during a decade of industrial growth following WWI. Americas can-do spirit was reflected in Charles Lindberghs solo flight across the ocean, Henry Fords mass production of the automobile, and the Suffrage Movement that won women the right to vote. Contributing to the nations drive, LeRoys father worked as an engineer for the railroad and the family lived on Holbrook Avenue right next to the railroad tracks. The third of six childrensisters Phyllis and Valerie and brothers Ronald, David and HarveyLeRoy grew up in a neighborhood with many kids. He played baseball whenever he could, rode his bike everywhere and performed well throughout his public school experience. He was grounded in faith by his parents and the Christian community at Samuel Lutheran Church, where the family were longtime members. LeRoy was still a teen when the idea of marriage entered the picture. Actually, it was the sight of the lovely Jeanne Parslow that put such thoughts into his mind and heart. One evening in downtown Muskegon, LeRoy saw Jeanne riding in a car and right away knew she was the girl for him. They dated for a time, fell in love and committed their lives to one another in a ceremony on September 4, 1946. LeRoy was 18 years old and the young couple started married life in a converted garage near Harvey and Apple on the citys east side. Eventually they built a house on McLaughlin that became their family home. Also as a young man, LeRoy served in the US Army for a brief period, but medical issues caused him to be discharged. He found work at Continental Motors before taking a job with Consumers Power, doing various tasks and then becoming a sub-station operator. During his 40 years as a valued employee of the company, LeRoy helped found the Consumers Power Credit Union, an indication of his devotion to fellow workers as well as to the business. Between 1947 and 1952, LeRoy and Jeanne were blessed by the births of five children: sons Eric, Torger and Kris and daughters Leelyn and Susan. LeRoy was involved in his childrens lives by sharing his gifts and interests. Being a softball pitcher for teams at work and with church, he had the experience to coach his sons Pony League baseball team. When they played sports in high school, LeRoy was their number one fan, never minding the travel to see Orchard View football games even after the boys were grown. On occasion, his sons accompanied him for bow hunting, but LeRoy most often went with his brother Harvey. As a family, the Johnsons took several vacations to the Upper Peninsula where many memories were made at Uncle Orvilles Cabin in the Woods. To earn extra money to help put the kids through college, LeRoy took on additional short term jobs, such as driving delivery for Chicken Delight and running the projector at the Harbor Theater in Lakeside. Being the good father that he was, LeRoy also brought his children up in Samuel Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir and formed meaningful friendships. Socially, LeRoy and Jeanne spent most of their time with family, but they also liked getting together with friends and fellow members of the Viking Lodge. They often played cards, but the major recreational activity in LeRoys life was cycling. From early on, he took his bike to work and every year he rode thousands of miles as a member of the Muskegon Bike Club and the Rapid Wheel Men. He participated in the DALMAC ride from Lansing to the Mackinaw Bridge that Jeanne and he once rode tandem. On another trip, they entered the RAGBRAI ride across Iowa in which he biked but Jeanne (as she often did) rode in the SAG car that traveled with the group. In 1996, LeRoy was hit by a car while riding and broke both arms and a few ribs. With determination, he recovered in less than a year and was able to enter a cross-country ride in Australia. Even into his 80s, LeRoy kept cycling with his recumbent 3-wheeler bicycle. In retirement, LeRoy wanted to keep busy, so he volunteered at Muskegon General Hospital, he drove cars to and from auctions for Betten Auto and he did landscaping jobs. When he wasnt on the go, LeRoy liked to read and was particularly interested in Civil War history. However, when Jeannes health was in decline, LeRoy made it his full time job to care of her during the last seven years of her life. When it was necessary for Jeanne to be cared for in a nursing home, he visited her every day until her death in 2005. LeRoy continued to live on his own but eventually needed to move into assisted living at Sanctuary of the Oaks. He liked it there and the staff treated him wonderfully. Over time, the years took their toll and LeRoy Johnson died on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at the age of 86. The family would like to thank the staff at Sanctuary at the Oaks for their loving care of their dear father, grandfather, brother and uncle. SURVIVORS Sons, Eric (Cecelia) Johnson of Toledo, OH, Torger (Gertrude) Johnson of Muskegon & Kris (Mary) Johnson of Muskegon; daughters, Leelyn (Terry Place) Johnson of Williamston, MI & Susan (Thomas) Williams of Muskegon; sister, Valerie (Jerry) Bectel; 10 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; special friends, Chris & John Stewart, daughters-in-law, Nancy Vanderleest & Elizabeth O'Leary; sister-in-law, Michele (Morris) Parslow. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne and siblings, Phyllis, Ronald, David and Harvey; grandson Jacob. SERVICE Monday, November 10, 2014, 1:00 PM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Chris Anderson officiating. Interment at Norton Cemetery. VISITATION Sunday, 3:00-6:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon and Monday, one hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL: Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Funeral Home- Muskegon