"Sandra,Deanna,Kristin,Andy and Family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you all, it has been a hard couple of weeks. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
William G. (Killer) Johnson
November 12, 1937 - April 6, 2003
Marquette--William G. Killer Johnson, 65, of 1933 Neidhart St., Marquette, was peacefully drawn into the welcoming embrace of the Lord, Sunday, April 6, 2003, while at home under the loving care of his family. <br><br>Killer, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, was born on November 12, 1937 in Marquette to Stuart M. Cotton and Helen Nellie (Lyons) Johnson and was a lifelong resident. He was a 1955 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School and a 1973 graduate of Northern Michigan University. <br><br>Killer proudly served his country from 1956 to 1958 as a member of the United States Army, serving as an Sp4 with the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Aircraft Maintenance Detachment at Fort Kobbe, Panama Canal Zone. <br><br>Killer was employed by the State of Michigan beginning a 30-year career at the Marquette Branch Prison as a guard, and retiring as a counselor/grievance coordinator in 1994. <br><br>Killer was a loving and faithful servant to his God. As a member of St. Michael Catholic Church he was deeply committed to his extended family there, volunteering and offering his abilities and expertise to the parish and its parishioners. He was a shining example of selfless service to the many people he touched over the years with his willingness to give of his time and talents. <br><br>Killer had a grand passion for life matched by a great compassion for others. He was a loving husband and father and devoted to his family and friends. He could always be found lending a helping hand or offering an encouraging word to those around him.<br><br>He was a friendly face to many who saw him in local grocery stores assisting his son-in-law service accounts for Gourmet Foods. <br><br>Loved deeply by his family and treasured as loyal and generous by his friends, he will be remembered by all who knew him as someone who truly made the world a better place to live due to his kindness to all those he met; his caring for family and friends; and his solid, unshakeable Catholic faith. <br><br>Killer enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening and helping others. He was an avid softball player and an active member of the St. Michaels Blue Angels softball team. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and especially enjoyed the time he spent at the family cottage on Lake Superior.<br><br>Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Sandra (Vernelli) Johnson; son Andrew of Harbor Springs; two daughters, Deanna (Dale) Hemmila of Ishpeming, and Kristin (Stephen) Marchiol of Marquette; a sister, Marilyn (Bob) Dupuis of Plymouth; Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Vince and Kay Vernelli of St. Joseph Island, Ontario, Chuck and Ruth Vernelli, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Michael Vernelli and Kathy Kelley of Kitchener, Ontario, Joe and Karen Kalisz of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Daniel Vernelli Jr. of Canton, Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews and many, many special and loving friends. In addition to his parents, Killer was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Lasich; brother Larry Johnson; brother and sister-in-law Stuart and Shirley Johnson; and precious granddaughter Hannah Vernelli Marchiol.<br><br>Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2003. A parish prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening. Friends may also call at St. Michael Catholic Church, Marquette, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2003. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick and Rev. Jamie Ziminski as concelebrants. Pallbearers will be members of the St. Michaels Blue Angels softball team. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.<br><br>In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be directed to the St. Michael Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI or the Marygrove Retreat Center, P.O. Box 38, Garden, MI 49835. <br><br>The family thanks so many of Killers relatives and friends for their outpouring of concern and support during his illness. Killer faced this challenge in his life with great courage and dignity and he was truly blessed to have so many people who cared about him and his family during this time. Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers. Your support and friendship has made our loss a bit easier to bear and we are very proud and thankful that Killer had so many caring people in his life. We will never forget your thoughtfulness. <br><br>Killers obituary with family photos can also be viewed at www.canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance in his guestbook. <br><br>"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same." --Anonymous<br><br><br> <br>
Tributes
"Dear Sandy & Family, I remember Bill when we worked together at the funeral home. I am sorry to hear of his passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Gary & Calli Borg"
"Mrs. Johnson, Kristin, Andy and Deanna, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you morn the loss of Mr. Johnson. I have such fond mememories of him growing up. I don't think I have met anyone who had a bigger hat collection! I remember the sleep overs in the basement and Mr. Johnson would come down during the night to put wood in the stove so we wouldn't get cold. I remember how graceful your parents looked on the dance floor at your wedding Kristin. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and prayers. Sincerely, Beth Anne Lorsbach"
"Knowing you both, Sandy and Killer, has been delightful and a blessing to us. Remember when we went to Madeira Beach and Crabby Bill's here in Florida? What a special day we shared together! You and your family are in our hearts and prayers and may God Bless You All. With our love, Jackie and Fred Govern"
"Auntie Sandra, Deanna, Andy, & Kristin My thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish I was there with the rest of the family. I was at my parents house letting out the dog and I had to go downstairs to get something out of the fridge and before I opened it, I looked at the door of the fridge and on the door is the magnetic sign up sheet for shower times the day of my wedding. It went Kristin, Killer and Sandy. I want you to know, I couldn't even open the fridge door. I just stared at Killer's name and cried. Also, I want to say thank you to Uncle Bill for always asking my dad how Jack was doing when he either e-mailed him or talked to him on the phone. I would have loved Jack to me his great Uncle Killer. Someday Jack will hear some great stories about him. God Bless and I love you all."
"I am sorry to hear of your loss. The memories that you all have will be with you forever. Nothing can take them away. Your in my thoughts and prayers."
"Sandy so sorry to learn of Killer'.s passing.I'm so grateful for the wonderful memories.The thing I remember most about Bill was his honesty there was no beating about the bush.He told it like it was he sure will be missed. Know of my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time"
"To the Johnson Family: Sandy, I'm truly sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with during this difficult time. He will always be alive in you memories. Sincerely LeAnn & John Stindt"
"Our deepest condolences to your family. Killer taught me the ropes at the big house and I'll always rember his words of encouragement and guidance. It was a pleasure working with him and a big thanks to his family for sharing him with us. Thank you Bill, when we are all called home, we will meet again. God Bless"
"To Andy & Family...so sorry to hear about your dad. Though I only got to meet Killer on a few occasions, he was definitely the kind of guy that was your friend the minute you walked into the room, just an all around good guy. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you, Deanna, your mom and all your family. Dave Danis"
"To Sandy and family. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you. Having spent a lot of years working with Bill, his memory will live on. Killer, you will be missed. Dennis"
"Mrs. Johnson and family~ Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers, always. Mr. Johnson's warm smile and bright personality will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We will keep them alive through our many fond memories. May God bless and keep you all in His loving care."
"Dear Sandy & Family, We are so sorry to learn of Killer's passing. We were used to seeing him in the local supermarkets as he assisted his son-in-law. Dale Anderson kept us posted on his well-being. Know of our prayers and thoughts for all of you during this difficult time. Our sincerest sympathies...... Bill and Chetti (Sarvello) Green Rapid River, Michigan"
"Killer was one of the nicest men I ever knew. Whenever I think of things he did or said I have to laugh. I was always impresed with his personal faith. Nancy and I are still in Fla. and can't be with you. But we are thinking of you and our prayers are with your faminly."
"You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you to ease your pain. Donna-Gail,Bob,Angie,Kristen,Taryn and Lucas. Sault Ste Marie,ON Canada"
"Though we knew Bill only a short time, we thought highly of him and will miss him. Sandy and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. With deep sympathy, Tim and Sue"
"Sandra -my deepest sympathy. It has been quite a while since I've seen you -at times like this we realize how short life really is. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Cousin-Anne Marie"
"Please accept my deepest condolences. Although I never met "Killer" the many tributes show him to be a well liked family man. I recently met Chuck in the Sault and it certainly brought back many memories of our youth. Please know that you are in my thoughts."
"Dear Sandra: I wish I could have been there with you and the rest of our family today but it didn't work out. I always thought Bill was a great person and that you two were a wonderful couple. I know God will be with you and your family to give you strength. Love Mary-Claire, David & Family"
"Dear Sandra, It was nice to see you and meet your husband some 5 years ago. He certainly has led a very fulfilling, compassionate, loving life both with his family as well as his friends. You are all remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Angela and Frank Brenny"
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Know that you are in our thoughts now and in the days ahead."
"Dear Sandra and Family: We just returned from vacation this evening and read the sad news. When we lose a friend, my thoughts go back to previous years and I recall the Christmas dinners we all enjoyed at Stu's. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May it help you to know that others DO care and share in your loss. I know you have many precious memories to hold in your heart forever. With sympathy and love, Lois Kampe"
"My deepest sympathy to all the family. We will sorrowfully miss him at our next class reunion. This is rather late,my sister sent me the article in an Easter card. Sincerely Connie (Mo)"
"Dear Sandra and family, What a beautiful tribute to Bill. Saw Chuck and he told me how to get onto this site so our condolences are late. It was an honour to have known Bill and I know that you will miss him dearly. You are in our thoughts and prayers and may the many memories you have made, always keep him close to you. God Bless all of you."