MUNISING, MI – Charles E. “Mandrel” Johnson, of Munising and formerly of St. Johns and Haslett, MI, passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side, following a battle with Covid-19.
He was born on August 30, 1942 in Marquette, Michigan, to the late Edward and Alice (Genore) Johnson. Chuck’s family moved to Munising when he was young and he graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1960. After graduating he worked for two years on ore ships crossing the Great Lakes. In 1965, Chuck enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He was stationed at CuChi, located between Saigon and the Cambodian border. He served with the United States Army Cavalry Scouts (Armor Reconnaissance Specialist) and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the badge for driver and mechanic with bar. Chuck was honorably released in 1967 as SP4 (T).
Before going overseas, Chuck, an avid Lions fan, made a bet with Carol, an avid Packers fan, stating that if the Lions beat the Packers, she should date him when he returns. The Lions won and Carol won too. They married on September 2, 1967 and together they raised their three children, whom he adored. They moved to East Lansing, where Chuck earned an associate’s degree in turf management from Michigan State University. Chuck began his career providing technical support to golf courses and went on to work in the sale of fertilizers and chemicals to dealerships in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He has worked for US Steel, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Northern Star Minerals and Wilburt Ellis Corp., the latter of which he retired in 2008 after making many lifelong friends. When Chuck and Carol both retired, they returned to UP, which has always been Chuck’s dream, and made their cottage their home on 16 Mile Lake. Abraham Lincoln once said: “I like to see a man proud of where he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place is proud of him. This is how Chuck Johnson, 78, will be remembered as he entered eternal life on Sunday February 14, 2021. The only things Chuck cherished more than his country was his savior Jesus Christ and his family darling and beloved. Chuck was kind, respectful, helpful and welcoming to everyone he met. Chuck had another love – golf. He was particularly fond of competition and played in many golf tournaments and he ended up doing two holes in one! He was a member of the Pictured Rocks Golf Club where he had fun playing league games with his longtime partner and friend, Duane Lincoln. Chuck also volunteered with Work Bees, who beautified the golf course for everyone’s enjoyment. He was an MSU basketball enthusiast and never missed a game. He snowmobiled in the winter and spent part of the winter in Panama City Beach, Florida with a lot of great people. Summers were spent on the lake with family and friends, taking pontoon rides and watching children and grandchildren jet ski. Chuck was a member of the Lutheran Church in Zion and was a proud member of the Ikkala Brothers VFW Post 9714. Chuck was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Memorial at Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham. He and his fellow VFW post members were able to add 8 flags to represent each of the armed forces, a kneeling soldier and they planted flowers and tended the grounds by mowing and watering. Chuck was an artist. He could tell a good story, no matter how many times he told it, it was like the first. If he was not on the lake or on the golf course, he could be found in his “Caveman”, where Chuck always had his friend’s favorite drinks and sweets. He made everyone who entered feel welcome. Chuck was a gentleman and a gentle man. He had a presence that exuded calm and peace.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of fifty-three years – Carol Sue Johnson of Munising; his children – Aaron (Nikki) Johnson of East Grand Rapids, Courtney (Jason) Alman of Lowell and Ross (Nicky) Johnson of Grand Rapids; her grandchildren – Finn, Lucy, Claire, Brynn, Grady and Lauren; sister – Sandy Barker of Kingsford; brothers and sister-in-law – Don Maki from Eben, Jeanne Maki from Prince Edward Island and Bob Maki from Eben; and many nieces and nephews.
Chuck is now reunited with his parents, his mother-in-law – Gussie Maki-Brennen, and his brother-in-law – Michael Barker.
Funeral services will be on Friday August 20, 2021 at noon at Pine Grove Cemetery, Chatham. The American Legion, Vietnam Veterans and the Ikkala VFW Brothers Honor Guards will lead the military honors, followed by Pastor Paul Kelto and Pastor Jim Rodgers, concluding with pledge prayers. Carol would like to continue to beautify the cemetery in memory of Chuck. You can send your donation to: Chuck Johnson Memorial at Peoples State Bank, 100 E. Superior St., PO Box 158, Munising, MI 49862. Chuck’s obituary and online guestbook can be viewed and signed on bowermanfuneralhome.net.
