Ronald Johnson

Some will remember Ronald Johnson for his smooth dance moves while others will remember his mouth-watering chicken, but all who knew him will remember Ronald for his deep love for life. He worked hard over the years, yet he also found time to enjoy many things whether great or small. Ronald dearly loved his family and was dedicated to tenderly caring for his mother who nurtured him during his younger years. Although his life was not without struggles, he persevered through each trial he faced while still maintaining that special spark that made him such a remarkable man. The year 1925 was part of a prosperous time in our nation as the end of WWI brought expansion and growth within American industry and business. People were looking to kick back and enjoy life during this time whether they were going to parties, taking in a movie on the silver screen, or watching greats like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth take command on the baseball field. This was a time of great celebration in the family of David and Ethel (Stark) Johnson as they welcomed the birth of their son, Ronald Arvid, on November 23, 1925. Ronald was born in Muskegon, Michigan, as the second of six children in his family including older sister Phyllis and younger siblings LeRoy, David, Harvey, and Valerie. His father worked for the railroad while his mother was a homemaker who tended to the needs of their home and family. Ronald was raised in various homes on the west side of Muskegon where he learned to appreciate the art of cooking from a young age. He loved being in the kitchen with his mom and whoever else was doing some cooking, and he became a very good cook himself. The Johnson family attended Samuel Lutheran Church, and Ronald was a student at Nelson School. By the time he reached the ninth grade, our nation had been blanketed by the Great Depression for quite some time and like so many other young people during this generation, Ronald left school after completing ninth grade in order to enter the workforce. As a teen, Ronald found work at area stores including Grossmans Parmelee Jewelers, and Montgomery Ward where his mother also worked part-time. In 1951, he secured employment as an office clerk in the meter department at Consumers Power. Ronald remained there for 30 years before retiring in 1981. He lived at home with his parents for awhile until he got an apartment during the mid-fifties. Eventually, Ronald purchased a home on Henry Street where he lived for nearly 40 years. Although work was a necessary part of his life, there was so much more to life than work for Ronald. He joined the Moose Lodge in 1947 and remained a member throughout the rest of his life. Ronald was a very active member of the lodge, often putting his superb cooking skills to good use cooking for their numerous special occasions. He additionally loved attending the dances at the Moose Lodge. In fact, Ronald was quite the dancer with smooth moves that kept the ladies dancing all night long. Spending time with family was also important to Ronald whether it was for their annual family reunions, holiday gatherings, or just get-togethers. His family always knew they could count on him to make the best chicken for these occasions. Later in life, there were both easy and hard times for Ronald, as is so often the case. After retiring, Ronald spent time during the winters in Marathon Key, Florida, with his good friends, Vern and Marge Harwood, for several years. While there, he was active in the local Moose Lodge. During his mothers later years, she moved in with Ronald so that he could care for her growing needs. Through the years, he had his own health issues to contend with. Ronald suffered with diabetes and even had heart surgery. With the help of his family, Ronald was always able to recover. Six years ago he sold his home and moved into a seniors apartment building, Pine Grove Manor. Ronald loved living there, made many friends, and participated in the numerous activities they held. Trying days followed the death of his friend Marge just last year. Finally, the years combined with his health issues caused Ronalds health to rapidly decline until he drew his last breath surrounded by his family. Although Ronald Johnson could be a little hard to get along with at times, he was deeply loved by those who knew him. He enjoyed showing his love for others through the food he cooked, and his scrumptious dishes were always well received, too. Ronald liked the camaraderie with fellow members at the Moose Lodge whether here or in Florida, and he also enjoyed his church home at Samuel Lutheran Church. With such a love for life, Ronald took each moment captive and made it his own. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Ronald A. Johnson died Friday, February 19, 2010. Ronalds family includes 1 brother, LeRoy Johnson; 1 sister, Valerie (Jerry) Bectel; 1 brother-in-law, Joseph Grams; and many nieces and nephews. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, David and Harvey, and 1 sister, Phyllis. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 3:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel with Pastor Mary Miller officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Ronalds family and friends on Monday, 3-6 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Moose Heart.