Johnson

Dennis Johnson had a thirst for life. His adventurous spirit seemed contagious as he reached for the stars in all he did. He studied aviation engineering, flew, skydived and enthusiastically taught others his passion for skydiving and flying.

He was the second of five children born to Morton and Ruth (Wagner) Johnson on February 26, 1948. Dennis was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and attended Portage schools. Morton owned Wheeler Roll Company specializing in paper mill equipment. Dennis often flew with his father in their twin engine plane on business trips. It was here that Dennis' love of flying began. Ruth stayed home to care for Dennis, his brother Daryl and his sisters, Karen, Kay and Karel.

Dennis was very committed to his education and even won a "Perfect Attendance" award for never missing a day of school from Kindergarten thru High School graduation. He also stayed busy by participating in high school sports. Dennis was a dedicated football player and excelled playing halfback. While still in high school, Dennis worked for his dad at Wheeler Roll Co. Dennis attended Western Michigan University and graduated with an Aviation Degree in Engineering. In 1970, Dennis obtained his pilot license.

Dennis was working at an office in 1970 when he met his future bride, a fellow Western student, Mary McLain. Mary stole his heart and after a year of courtship, Dennis asked for Mary's hand in marriage. They were married on September 18, 1971 at Parchment United Methodist Church . Dennis and his daredevil groomsmen made an original appearance to the wedding. They jumped out of a plane, wearing their tuxedos and forming an eight-way star. It was the first time the star was ever completed in Michigan . The men landed at Kinderburger Park , in the heart of Parchment and Dennis went to the church to take Mary as his wife.

Dennis then took over management of the Western Michigan University Pegasus Skydivers in the early 1970's. Dennis changed the name to the Kalamazoo Parachute Club and later to Great Lakes Sky Divers. Dennis's dream was always to own an airport. After college, he and Mary worked hard at their jobs to save enough money to fulfill his dream. Dennis worked on his pilot ratings and acquired a commercial, multi-engine and flight instructor rating. Dennis and Mary lived in Paw Paw for ten years before they purchased the acreage in Gobles which became their home and airport. His father helped him build the airport, their home and later an airplane hanger. With the large equipment Dennis had collected for his building projects he was able to create a man-made lake. He loved working with his hands and coming up with great ideas. The airport at their home was used exclusively for Great Lakes Skydivers in Van Buren County. Dennis, himself, had successfully completed over twenty-two hundred jumps.

As a teacher, Dennis always stressed safety first and then fun. He was a wonderful and patient teacher. He taught thousands of people to make their first skydive. His students knew they could count on him to coax them into a good landing with his classic "flare,flare,flare!" His fellow jumpers were like family to Dennis. One funny story Mary remembers, was when she overheard a student talking after their first jump. The student was saying to a friend, "I got so tired of listening to that guy in class, but when his voice came over the radio it was the sweetest thing I ever heard". Dennis was an amazing story teller too, and he had a way of keeping people on the edge of their seat. He told stories about his many flights and skydives, as well as, a thrilling family story about a close encounter with a black bear in his tent in the Rockies where Dennis spent the rest of the night high up in a tree. His parents settled in Florida, and Dennis took many trips down to visit with them, as well as, many trips to Northern Michigan .

Dennis was curious, meticulous and mechanical. His creative spirit flowed from the outdoors to the indoors as he mastered the kitchen by baking his famous Boston Crème Cake. Dennis' hard work and dedication to his profession brought joy to his life, as well as to the many students he got to know. Dennis didn't just teach, he shared his life with others as he taught them what came so naturally to him. His friendly, fun-loving and thrill-seeking personality allowed for a full and passionate life. Sadly, Dennis was killed doing what he loved when his ultralight plane crashed on September 5, 2005.

Dennis O. Johnson, Age 57 of Gobles, died accidentally September 5, 2005. He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Hunsinger in 2004. Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary; parents: Morton and Ruth Johnson of Odessa, FL; two sisters: Kay (Chuck) Sowles of Oshtemo, and Karel (Brad Issac) Johnson of Atlanta, GA; a brother, Daryl (Ronda) Johnson of Kalamazoo; brother-in-law, Rev. Keith Hunsinger of Defiance, OH; nieces and nephews: Kevin (Nikki) Sowles, Kurt, and Kelli Sowles, Kristin Hunsinger, and Noelle Johnson. To learn more about Dennis's life, friends may visit with family on Thursday from 2:00p.m.-4:00p.m. and 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, Stadium Drive, West of US-131, 375-2900. Cremation will follow visitation. A service to celebrate his life will be held Friday at 4:00p.m. at the family home in Gobles (casual attire encouraged). Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. Please visit Dennis's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or American Cancer Society.