Muriel Johnson

Muriel J. Johnson, resident of Friendship Village (Kalamazoo, MI) since August 2005, passed away July 5, 2024. She was born October 2, 1920, in West Salem, WI to Lloyd and Tilda Gudmundson, and graduated from West High School in Madison, WI in June of 1938. Subsequently, she was employed by the Wisconsin Board of Public Health in Madison as a Receptionist-Clerk-Typist. On June 14, 1946, she was united in marriage to Roy E. Johnson at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. Shortly thereafter they moved to Kalamazoo, when Roy became employed by the Upjohn Company, residing on the west side of Kalamazoo.

During Muriel's years in Kalamazoo, she initially dedicated herself to the upbringing of her & Roy's two sons, excelling as a homemaker. Over time she became involved in several volunteer activities, including Braille work with the Blind, the Community Food Pantry (Loaves & Fishes), The Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, and the 'Whatsoever-Free-Bed-Association.' In addition, she was active in Women's Circles at both Trinity Lutheran Church of Kalamazoo, and The First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo. Muriel's faith in God and love for others was paramount, her 'gentleness evident to all.'

Muriel was preceded in death by husband Roy of 51 years, as well as sisters, Ruth (Lester) Wyss of Big Lake, MN, and Luella (Stan) Hamre of Madison, WI. Surviving are her sons, William Johnson (Beth Kurtz) of Williamston, MI / Wickenburg, AZ, and David (Judith) Johnson of Gobles, MI. Also surviving are grandsons, William, Chris (Jennifer) Johnson of DeWitt, MI, Timothy (Diana) Johnson of Henniker, NH, Michael (Corine) Johnson of Mattawan, MI, Patrick (Kelli) Johnson of Allegan, MI, Theodore (Carin) Johnson of Kalamazoo, MI; great-grandchildren, Allison "Alli", Avalee "Ava", Madelyn "Maddy", Caden, Connor, Judah, Myles, Anastasia "Ani", and Victoria "Tori".

A memorial service will take place on Sat., July 13th, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at the Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo, preceded by a period of Visitation from 1:00 2:00 p.m. This will be officiated by Chaplain Mark Roberts. Interment will follow directly thereafter at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Kalamazoo. A memorial in Muriel's memory may be made out to either: Friendship Village of Kalamazoo, 1400 N. Drake Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49006, or Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice Care of SW Michigan), 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.