Marie Katherine (Schmidt) Johnson, age 77, met her Lord and Savior with her beautiful smile and open arms on Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 Marie was born to Evelyn and Arthur Schmidt on November 6, 1941 in Nunica, Michigan. She spent her early years on the farm where she learned to appreciate the value of hard work. At the age of 12 Marie received her beloved horse Sara Lou; a decedent of legendary Man of War.
Marie mastered her whistle which called in Sara Lou from the flats. The whistle is legendary as well. Marie graduated from Coopersville High School where she made many lifelong friends that will miss her dearly.
At the age of 9 she met the love of her life, Ted Johnson whom attended a nearby one room school. Their love story has been a beautiful journey. Ted and Marie were married on November 7th, 1959 at St. Michael’s in then Denison Michigan.
They returned to Key West, Florida where Ted was stationed aboard the USS Bushnell with the Navy. They were married for 59 years. Marie lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, and homemaker.
She was an amazing cook, which she passed on to all four of her children, kept an immaculate home, skilled knitter, crocheter, and reader. A farm girl at heart gardening was a passion. She and Ted tended a vegetable and flower garden with love and attention.
She loved to share the garden bounty with friends, neighbors, and all that enjoyed the free bike path stand. Many gardening tips were shared over a bucket of weeds every growing season. Her beautiful dahlias were a loving tribute to honor her mother in law, Ada Johnson.
Marie and Ted traveled far and wide to visit friends and family. Trips to the Upper Peninsula where highlighted with binder twine camps and kayaking numerous hidden lakes. Marie had a passion for children.
She and Ted lovingly opened their home and cared for 35 children over the course of many years. The treasured every one of you. From ABC’s through graduation, Marie taught lifelong lessons.
Marie’s love of reading was evident, in the many volunteer years at St. Mary’s Catholic School library and reading programs. Marie is survived by her loving husband Ted, and devoted children; Terri Creeden (Tom) of Spring Lake, Kevin Johnson (Denver, CO) and mother of his children, Joanne Trimble, Shawn Johnson (Muskegon) and mother of his children, Denise Johnson, and Jodi Plaggemars (Lynn) of Rockford. Twelve beautiful grandchildren; William and Shawn Creeden, Tyler Johnson (fiancé Courtney Beshel), Alexandria (fiancé Maxwell Terry), Chase Johnson, Morgan VanDyke (Scott), Kendra, Mitchell, and Kori Johnson, Kurtis and Erin Plaggemars, and Lilah (fiancé Alexander Bolin).
Three handsome great-grandsons, Grayson and Griffin VanDyke and Jordan Terry; sister Joan Hecksel, sister-in-law, Linda Johnson and brother in law, Don Sheridan. Marie was preceded in death by her loving parents Evelyn and Arthur Schmidt; loving in-laws, Ada and Arthur Johnson; brothers-in-law, Roger Hecksel, and Tim Johnson (Ted’s twin); Violet and Francis Janes, Ardis and Ed Schmidt, Ione Sheridan, and Pat and Don (Skip) Schippers. Most of all Marie loved her family and instilled in her children and grand children strong values that have served them well.
She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. Marie has promised to whistle so all can find her. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2019, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr.
David Gross as celebrant. Friends may meet the family Friday, May 3, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services – The Spring Lake Chapel with the Rosary at 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior at church. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Language Arts Program or St. Michael’s Catholic Church or Hospice of North Ottawa Community are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www. sytsemafh.com.
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