"I just learned, with sadness, of Dolores's passing. I had the honor of working with her and her family for years when they owned Johnson's Printing in Marquette. Although I worked with everyone in their shop, Dolores was was the lead person making things happen. She was always friendly, caring and absolutely professional. She made sure things got done! After handling whatever project I was giving her, we would talk about various other things. She was interested in many subjects, including my family, work, and own activities. I enjoyed her laugh, enthusiasm and hard work ethic. She is now with her husband John, a good man. Thank you Dolores for being a wonderful person. Bob Struck, UP-EMS"
In loving memory of
DOLORES ADELE JOHNSON
January 25, 1937 - August 28, 2018
Dolores Adele (Nelson) Johnson, 81, passed away August 28, 2018 surrounded by her loving family under the care of Lake Superior Health and Hospice and the caring staff at the Trillium House in Marquette. Dolores was born on June 25, 1937 in Negaunee, Michigan. She spent her childhood in the South Range area. Later the family moved to Columbia, Missouri where Dolores graduated from David H. Hickman High School. It was while she was in Missouri she met and eventually married her husband, John E. Johnson Sr. on January 21, 1955. They started their family and eventually moved back to the Upper Peninsula in 1969. Together they started a printing business in the basement of their home and in 1979 they opened Johnsons Printing Service which served the Marquette and surrounding area for over 35 years. Customers were always greeted with her contagious smile and jubilant laugh.
Dolores and John were members of St. Peters Cathedral in Marquette and St. Anthonys Church in Gwinn. Dolores believed there was never a greater place to hear music than in the Cathedral. She and John were also avid supporters of the Bishop Baraga Association. After Johns passing, Dolores returned to St. Anthonys Church in Gwinn to be closer with family. She was very happy when all four generations were in attendance for weekly Mass. She also enjoyed her quiet time of reflection during weekly Perpetual Adoration.
Outside of the business, Dolores family was her source of joy and fulfillment. She enjoyed helping John teach the kids baseball in the backyard, pontoon boat rides with the family on Johnson Lake, chicken barbeques with plenty of children and dogs running about or quietly listening to the waves of Lake Superior lap on the shore at their house at Eagles Nest while reading a good mystery.
Dolores was preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 55 years, John, in 2010. She is survived by her brother, Doug (Judy) Nelson of Madrid, IA, her three sons, John (Ann) Johnson Jr. of Gwinn, Joe Johnson of Gwinn, Jeff (Dawn) Johnson of Gwinn, daughters Jennifer Cass of Oshkosh, WI and Joy Maag of Kansas City, KS, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family is consoled by the thought that Dolores and John will again be reunited once more.
Honoring Dolores wishes, a private funeral will be attended by the family on a later date, when John and Dolores ashes will be buried together. In lieu of gifts to the family, donations can be made to the Bishop Baraga Association, 347 Rock St., Marquette, MI 49855.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends and loved ones can leave a note of remembrance at canalefuneral.com.