William 'Bill' Johnson

IRONWOOD, Mich. - William "Bill" Johnson, 82, of Welch Creek Road, Ironwood Township, died Thursday, May 21, 2015, at home.

He was born June 7, 1932, in Ironwood, son of the late Henry and Hilja (Mylly) Johnson.

Bill attended the Roosevelt Grade School and graduated from the Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from Jan. 15, 1952, until Dec. 30, 1955. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal.

Bill owned and operated the Johnson Citgo Service Station on the corner of Lake Road and Airport Road in Ironwood Township for many years. He then moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where he was a tool and die maker for Milwaukee Master Lock until retirement and returning to Ironwood.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Bill especially enjoyed spending time on his boat on Lake Superior. He had many friends and was loved by everyone. He was a decent, honest and good man.

He was married to the former Virginia A. Rocha. She preceded him in death on May 25, 1995.

He is survived by four sons, Jeffrey, John, James and Jerome; a daughter, Jennifer Johnson; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers David, Albert and James; and sisters, Saima, Julia and Ilona. Many nieces and nephews and relatives also survive.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, William R. Johnson Jr., in 2000, brothers Wiljo, Edward and Donald, and sisters Martha, Helga, Ina and Vieno.

Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley,

Private inurnment will be in the Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory and the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family.