Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy “Dottie” Johnson, age 91, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Johnson; parents Joseph and Margaret Weidenfeller; sister, Jeanette Reed; brother-in-law, Mike Reed; sister, Margaret Piebenga; brother, Joe Feller; father-in-law, Dorval Johnson; mother-in-law, Stella Johnson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Johnson; sister-in-law, Sharon Brower; brother-in-law, Keith Brower; brother-in-law, Robert Johnson; and sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson. She will be remembered by her children Mike (Julie) Johnson; grandchildren Chris (Katie) Johnson and Rebecca Johnson; great-grandchildren Kyla and Preston Johnson; as well as her many friends and neighbors. Dottie’s nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart.

Dottie’s family would like to thank Deb and Doug DeKam, Ron (Maria) Weidenfeller, Lynn Derusha, Johnny Brooks, Sandra (Larry) Nederveld, and Ray (Faye) Weidenfeller for the love and care they showed to Aunt Dort over the years. Her dear friends and neighbors Phyllis, Shirley, Beverly, Marlene, and Jerry were there for her when she needed them. Her family thanks you.

Dorothy graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1947. For more than five decades she and her high school girlfriends gathered once each year for a reunion luncheon. Besides being a mother and grandmother, she worked outside the home - first at Princess Bakery in Roger’s Plaza and then in the greenhouses out near Gun Lake. But her real passion was not working for a living, it was helping friends and family. Whether being a best friend, a caregiver, or a volunteer, she would be there if you needed her. One of her favorite places to volunteer was at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans - helping out with everything from cooking classes to assisting the veterans in getting around with their wheelchairs. Spending her Decembers wrapping presents for the Santa Claus Girls was another priority for her. She was always ready and willing to provide whatever assistance was required.

She enjoyed the outdoors. In the summer, when she wasn’t working on her tan, she and her husband Jerry would plant flat after flat after flat of flowers around the house. Flower baskets the size of small weather balloons would decorate the yard. Oh yes, let us not forget the feeding of the ducks and the birds. It was not only a passion; it was a necessity. But if any squirrel dared to help themselves to the birdfeed in the feeders, well, let’s just say that she was not happy.

She loved driving nice cars, but they had to be clean, red, sporty looking, and two door. At age 80, she stated quite succinctly that four door cars are for “old” people.

Though small in stature, she was a giant when it came to voicing her opinions and standing up for what is right. Her voice has finally been quieted, but our fond memories of her will continue on.

Visitation with friends and relatives will take place 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 4330 18th Street, Dorr, MI 49323. When in attendance, we kindly ask that all guests wear a face covering and practice social distancing for their safety and the well-being of the family. Although everyone is welcome to visit, current Health Department ordinances limit 25 people at a time to be in attendance at the funeral home. Please be mindful of other guests wishing to pay their respects. Immediately following visitation will be a private Celebration of Life Service.

In honor of Dottie and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.