Noel J. Johnson

Noel J. Johnson of Kalamazoo, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2013, at Alamo Nursing Home from natural causes at age 81. Noel was born December 15, 1931, in Kalamazoo, the son of Allen and Marian (Kahle) Johnson, and lived most of his life in this area. He attended WMU and their ROTC program, and joined his family’s business, Perfection Tool and Manufacturing, Inc. He operated the business until his retirement in 2001. Noel was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, and a past president of the Kalamazoo Association for Retarded Children. He was a member of the Southern Michigan Gun Club, and attained Master ranking, winning many medals and trophies in pistol competition. He loved the outdoors and hunting, sharing that love with his sons and grandsons as family was very important to him. He moved his family to rural Plainwell in 1968 so they could be closer to nature and learn to raise chickens, cattle, and crops. Noel and his good friend, Bill Neal, owned and flew private planes, spending many enjoyable hours in the air. Noel especially looked forward to flying his Piper TriPacer to Oshkosh, WI every year for the annual Fly-in. Noel and Bill would spend many Sundays with their metal detectors, and the stories they told from finding lost objects were enjoyed by all. Noel was preceded in death by his daughter, Martha Potter. He is survived by his wife, Margaret (O’Brien) Johnson, whom he married September 30, 1950; also surviving are their children Mary (Jeff) Paschke, Patty Johnson, David (Patricia) Johnson, Evelyn (Don) Florinchi, and Mark (Marie) Johnson; 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and son-in-law Dan (Mickie) Potter. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received Tuesday, January 15 from 9:30 to 11AM at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, 766 S. Farmer St. in Otsego, MI, where a Funeral Mass will follow at 11AM, Fr. Don Klingler and Fr. Gordon Green, concelebrants. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Margaret’s Catholic School or Hospice Care of SW MI. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo 269-343-6156 www.redmondfuneralhomes.net