Kenneth Irvin Johnson

Kenneth Irvin Johnson, April 7, 1942 to June 1, 2015, was a beloved father, grandfather, husband and teacher.  He was born on a gold mine in Montana during World War II and was raised in small town South Dakota.  His teaching career led him initially to Dowagiac and then to Coldwater, MI, where he taught American History to thousands of students over the course of several decades, from 1965 to 1999.  His own story was a vibrant part of the history he used to entertain and inform students and friends.  KJ’s history included dam building, ditch digging, hitchhiking, hunting and trapping, water well digging, serving as a park ranger in Washington D.C., and other adventures in memorable cars with beloved friends and family.  He was witty and sharp, and his classroom was a favorite gathering place for students after school.  He delighted in the students, individuals, and families in his life who brought a richness of cultures and experience.  A dear spot in his heart was reserved for his friends in the Amish community.

His children are proud of how loved he was as a friend and teacher – and how generous he was with praise for others and how modest he was about himself.  But, his true calling was as a father and grandfather. His reserved Norwegian background did not stop him from saying “I love you” at the end of every phone call.  His love of family kept him on the move post-retirement, traveling from coast to coast and to points in between to be with his children and grandchildren. His gentle manner and sincere concern for others made him a beloved family member, and a favorite among family pets as well. 

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Inez and Irvin Johnson, his brother Teddy who died as a young child, as well as his wife of 19 years, Debra Hoard Smoker Johnson.  He is celebrated and missed by many, including his children: Chad and Michelle Johnson and their children Cole and Avery of NY; Jessica and Ed Bloom and their children Vivian, Owen and Isaac of WA; and Jacquelyn and Dan Irwin of SD. His brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and other extended family members throughout the country – Johnsons, Wittes, and Smokers – mourn for the man who prioritized family and friendship above all as Ken did. 

Ken’s professional life was devoted to educating students, and he inspired many with his depth of knowledge, self-deprecating humor, and gifted storytelling.  Ken’s children were also grateful beneficiaries of Ken’s focus on education.  In KJ’s honor, Ken’s children have established a scholarship to the University of Michigan for deserving students from Branch County MI who need financial aid.  KJ knew of this well before his passing, but he was too modest to tell others about the scholarship established in his name and honor. 

A private family service is planned at the end of the summer in Montana.  A celebration in the summer of 2016 is being planned to bring together many who have stories to add to the colorful and loving tale that was Ken’s life.

 In lieu of flowers or donations, good memories and amusing stories among friends are encouraged.