Chester William 'Ches' Johnson

KENTON, Mich. — Chester William “Ches” Johnson, 78, of Kenton, died of a broken heart on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at his home.

Ches was born on Aug. 13, 1943, in Stambaugh, a son of the late Eric Chester and Ruth Josephine (Seirra) Johnson. He attended Ewen High School and graduated in 1962.

On Sept. 28, 1963, Ches married Sheila Jean Nara at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Paynesville.

They celebrated nearly 59 years of marriage before her passing on June 1, 2022.

For most of his working years, he was self-employed in the logging business.

Ches was a dedicated member of the Duncan Township Volunteer Fire Department and at one time was the fire chief and assistant fire chief. He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Community Church in Trout Creek and a former member of the Lake Superior Lodge No. 67 Free and Accepted Masons in Ewen.

Ches is survived by two sons, David (Skye) and Daryl (Amanda); a granddaughter, Amber (Kyle) Stein; five great-grandchildren, Gavin, Gage, Brody, Jacklyn and Nathan; two brothers, Tom and Carl (Donna); three sisters-in-law, Gail (Bill) Wolfe, Stephanie (Rick) Ulness and Valerie Wolfe; several nieces and nephews; a very special family friend, Sandy Pitkanen; and many other family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 20, at 11 a.m. EDT, at the Kenton Cemetery, with the Rev. Micheal Laakko officiating.

Interment for Ches and Sheila will follow the service.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. To send online condolences please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.