Elmer Johnson

Elmer "Al" Johnson, passed away Monday, April 2, 2018, at age 85. Al was born January 21, 1933, to the late Elmer and Iva (Souders) Johnson. He was united in marriage to Shirley Smith, on June 15, 1957. His dearest friend and the love of his life, Shirley preceded him in death in August of 2010. A graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, Al served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hanson during the Korean War. He lived in Kalamazoo for most of his adult life. Employed as an industrial electrician with Rowen & Blair Electric for 30-plus years, Al served as a foreman for many major projects. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). After his retirement, Al spent winters in Venice, Florida, and moved there permanently in 2015. He died at his daughter's home in Franklin, TN, under the care of a local hospice organization and loving family members. Al is survived by his children, Mark (Lisa) Johnson, from Waukee, IA, and Cynthia (Bradley) Schuchardt, from Franklin, TN; 6 grandchildren, Bethany Johnson, Andrea Schuchardt, Matthew Johnson, Luke Johnson, Joshua Schuchardt, and Christopher Johnson; siblings William (Nancy) Johnson, Beverly Parker, and Vida Groth; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Commissaris, and his brothers-in-law, Arthur W. Parker Jr., Bill Groth, Bill Abendroth, and Robert L. Commissaris. The family will greet friends on Sunday, April 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. A funeral service will take place there on Monday, April 9, at 2 p.m. A private interment will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. Memorials may be directed to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, cancergiving@vanderbilt.edu. For obituary and condolences, please see Elmer's personal webpage at www.langelands.com