Maxine Johnson

Maxine M. Johnson, age 96, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 9, 2017 at Upjohn Community Care Center. She was born on September 8, 1921, in Bucyrus Ohio, the daughter of Chrys and Sadie (Fought) Dowler. Upon graduating from high school, Maxine went to nursing school. After graduation, she went to the Panama Canal Zone to be with her brother Bud. There she worked as a scrub nurse. While in Panama, Maxine met William (Bill) Johnson, and they were married on January 2, 1951. Their first child, Chris, was born in the Panama Canal Zone. They returned to the United States, and Bill worked as a pharmacist at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The small family grew by three more children, David, Gary, and Steven. As the boys grew older, she returned to nursing, taking a job at Bronson Hospital OB Clinic. Maxine was a nurturer by nature and enjoyed seeing success in those around her. She was devoted to making many opportunities for learning available for her children. She enjoyed bringing the family together for celebrations with nice dinners. Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Bill, and her brothers Bud and Kenneth. She is survived by her sons: Chris (Anna), David (Jenny), Gary (Laura), and Steve (Serap), several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 South Burdick Street. A funeral service to celebrate Maxine's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, Dec. 14, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bronson Patients in Need Fund.