Patricia Johnson

Patricia Ann Johnson was a hard working woman and a loving mother and grandmother, who put the interests of her family above her own. She and her husband were both big hearted people and made it their concern to help others when they were in need. In her work and family life, Patricia showed a quality of character that earned her this judgment by those who knew her best: classy lady. Patricia Anns story began October 9, 1944 in Muskegon, Michigan, when World War II dominated American life. As men went off to war and women were drawn into the workplace, the nation pulled together to make life as good as possible for the next generation. Patricia was the fourth of six children born to Edward and Vivian (Lang) Wahr that included brothers Jerry, Jim, Ron and Leonard and sister Sandy. They grew up in the Cloverville area of Muskegon and were members of Sacred Heart Church, where Pat went to catechism and was confirmed in the Catholic faith. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School. Soon after high school, Patricia was introduced to Rodger Johnson through mutual friends. The two began dating, fell in love, and in 1964 became husband and wife. Over time, they became parents of three childrenSuzette, Steve and Tomwhom Pat made her priority in life. The family eventually settled into a house just outside of Fruitport on Haney Road, where several of the Wahr family lived nearby. The Johnson home was an active place, not only with children but with goats and chickens they raised for a time and with raccoons they tamed as pets. Besides her full time work as a supervisor for Grand Haven Brass, Patricia took on evening jobs to provide extra income for the family. At times she tended bar, worked at a party store or did janitorial work while Rodger served as a maintenance person for Fruitport schools. As a result, the two of them were well known around Fruitport, frequenting restaurants and other establishments. There may not have been a lot of extra money for vacations, but one memorable family trip to the Upper Peninsula set the stage for several return visits for Patricia and Rodger in their retirement. In their 33 years of marriage, Pat and Rodger overcame the inevitable strains that work and family put on a couple, because they both knew they were meant for each other. They also shared the same heart for people. Over the years they took in numerous relatives and friends who needed a place to stay. It was just part of who they were. Pat was fortunate to maintain a close connection with the Wahr family, and they got together at Christmas and during the summer holidays. For many years, there was an annual Wahr family reunion at Round Lake near Jackson. When Rodger developed heart problems and died in 1997, Pat took it very hard. She entered a relationship and moved away, but both decisions proved to be unhealthy, and she eventually came back to Fruitport and the support of her family. As her children grew and began families of their own, Patricia was proud that they turned out to be leaders wherever they worked. As a grandparent, she spent as much time as she could with her grandchildren. Pat took them on special Christmas shopping trips and made frequent jaunts to the Shipshewana outdoor market during the summer. Over time, Patricia developed health concerns that necessitated oxygen treatment. Eventually, she moved to assisted living and then a nursing home for more care. Mrs. Patricia A. Johnson, age 70, passed away Monday, January 5, 2015. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends. SURVIVORS Daughter, Suzette (David) Dursema of Fruitport; sons, Steve (Shawn Tumele) Johnson of Fruitport, Tom (Aimee Cohoon) Johnson of Nunica; grandchildren, Arica (Ray) Estepp, Nicole Johnson, Kaitlyn Dursema, Jade Johnson, Rachel Dursema, Dessi Dursema, Hannah Dursema; great grandchildren, Colin, Owen, Ian, Leelind, Farryn; brother, Jerry (Mary) Wahr of Muskegon, Leonard (Janet) Wahr of Broman; brother-in-law, Fred Johnson; sister-in-law, Bonnie Wahr; many nieces nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Brandon; brothers, Jim & Ron and sister, Sandy. SERVICE Friday, January 9, 2015, 1:00 PM at Clock's Sunset Celebration Center, 3592 E. Pontaluna Rd. in Fruitport with Pastor Ron DePung officiating. VISITATION Thursday, January 8, 2015, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm & Friday, starting at noon at Clock's Sunset Celebration Center. MEMORIAL: Mercy VNS & Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Funeral Home- Muskegon