Helen Johnson

Passed away peacefully at home with many family members surrounding her on Monday, April 14, 2014, at the age of 94. In her own words, she had a wonderful life. Helen was born October 4, 1919 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Frank J. and Cecelia E. (Courtoise) Stender and was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church with her family since 1953. She was extremely proud of her ten children, 44 grandchildren and 84 great grandchildren. She loved attending grandkids' activities, summers at the family cottage, snow in Michigan, yard clean up at home, vacations at National Parks, camping up north, playing cards, needle craft, jig saw puzzles, visiting and hosting children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and friends. On June 14, 1941, she married Harry J. Johnson (the love of her life) who preceded her in death on November 17, 1997. Helen is survived by her ten children, Jon (Nancy) Johnson of Sidney, IA, Janet Knudsen of Portage, Jill (Rick) Blakeslee of Galesburg, Jennifer (Jim) Berry of Centennial, CO, Jackie (Bob) LaBarge of Kalamazoo, Jerry (Sherri) Johnson of Portage, Jim (Nancy) Johnson of Mattawan, Judy (Jim) Heeter of Mattawan, Joyce (Larry) McClish of Portage and Jayne (Jim) Engels of Portage. She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Bill Knudsen, and grandson, Matt Johnson. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, April 18, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St., with Rev. Msgr. Michael Hazard officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South Westnedge Avenue. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo. Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Southern Care Hospice.