Daniel P. Johnson

DULUTH, Minn. - Daniel P. Johnson, 71, of Curry Road, Ironwood Township, Mich., died unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, in Duluth.

He was born March 21, 1943, in Ironwood, Mich., son of the late Bernard and Antoinette (Filippini) Johnson.

Daniel attended the A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer, Mich., where he was captain of the football and basketball teams. He graduated with the class of 1961.

From July 6, 1961, until June 4, 1965, he served in the U.S. Air Force in Japan. Daniel received a Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. After serving his country, Daniel attended Gogebic Community College in Ironwood and the Northland College in Ashland, Wis., where he received a bachelor's degree in English. Daniel completed his graduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and received a master's degree in English education.

He was employed by the Shawano School District for 30 years. He coached boys and girls cross-country running, girls basketball, forensics and ran a literary magazine which was a high school student publication. He was voted Teacher of the Year by his students. Daniel also taught for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

He loved sports and was a big supporter of the University of Michigan. He was a Lion backer and a fan of the Detroit Tigers. He also loved to fish. Dan was a proud member of the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

On June 25, 1966, Daniel was united in marriage to the former Sandra Forte at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, by Father Franczak. Sandra survives.

Also surviving is a daughter, Stephanie Johnson (Benjamin) Cashin, of Madison, Wis .; a grandson, Finnegan Cashin; a brother, Rocky (Gretchen) Johnson, of Mercer, Wis .; and nephew and nieces, Ryan (Cindy) Johnson, Kris (Don) Tetting, Diane (Bruce) Brusoe and Laurie Ringquist.

Numerous cousins, relatives and friends also survive.

Cremation will take place.

Funeral services will be held at a later date in the spring.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675

Private online condolences can be sent to [email protected].