Ishpeming – Donald G. Johnson, age 87, of 1011 Co Rd 496 SE, Ishpeming (Ely Twp.) passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at his home while under the care of his daughter Mary Kaye Grady and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Don was born September 3, 1928 the son of the late Howard and Rita (Price) Johnson. He grew up in Newberry until his Junior year in High School when his family moved to Marquette and then a year later to Ishpeming. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1946. He entered the United States Army in August of 1946 and received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) for his service. Upon his honorable discharge from the service he returned to Ishpeming, first working at his families Zephyr Service station, then for the Marquette Co. Road Commission and then for 25+ years for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. first at the Mather "B' Mine and later as a surveyor at the Empire Mine, retiring in 1980.

Don was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ishpeming Elks Club and the Greenwood American Legion Post. He gave generously to the Salvation Army for which he received a plaque for over 25 year of giving. Don loved his sports, playing softball up until age 73, and then became a coach for Hickey's in the Iron Range Women's Softball League. Don supported the Westwood Patriots, attending as many of their athletic events a possible.

Survivors include a daughter Mary Kaye (Wade) Grady of Ishpeming, grandchildren Shay Grady, Michael (Beth) Revello, Ronald (Donna) Revello, Kathryn Collins, Steven Collins, Julia Collins and her husband Steve Hylkema, Deborah Carter, and Lisa Revello, several great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, sister-in-law Marie Jacobetti of Negaunee, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife June B. Johnson in 2007, his step-children – Roland and David Revello and Marilyn DeLongchamp, and a sister Mary Helgren.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Wednesday at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Dan Moll to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the Mass. Entombment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Shay Grady, Mike and Ron Revello, Steve Collins, and nephews – Jim, Jeff and John Helgren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family in order to establish an athletic scholarship at the Westwood High School in Don's memory.

Don's obituary also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .