Roger Phillip Johnson

Roger was born to Emil and Anna Johnson in Metropolitan, Michigan, on October 9, 1932. He grew up in a simple home on a modest farm, with his parents and ten siblings.

Roger graduated from High School in 1950, in Felch Township, and moved to Chicago, Illinois, to begin an apprenticeship in machining (tool and die), working for his brother-in-law. It was a vocation in which he excelled, and continued in, until his retirement in 1994.

He married Diane Corrine Sternard on July 2, 1960, in Chicago. Together they had three children, Karen, Kurt, and Keith.

The family moved to Wheat Ridge, Colorado, in 1971, as a result of Roger’s interest in enjoying the great outdoors of the mountain west.

Roger loved camping and fishing; he took his wife and children on many memorable trips into the Colorado mountains. A favorite destination was Trapper’s Lake, in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, where the beauty of the mountains was ever an inspiration to him.

Skilled as a woodworker, he was considered a master craftsman, and spent countless hours in his woodshop building furniture, cabinetry, toys, and other items. Many of his beautifully made pieces reside in the homes of family and friends, and will be treasured forever.

Roger was a kind man, quiet and soft-spoken. He was quick to offer a helping hand to a friend or family member in need. He set an example to his children with his actions more than words, and he taught them many skills with extreme patience. He will be remembered for his strong sense of responsibility, subtle sense of humor, and deep love of his family.

Roger is survived by his wife, Diane, his daughter Karen Johnson and grandson Dillon Johnson, sons Kurt Johnson (Conde Bolin) and Keith Johnson (Glenna Shetter).

Roger is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers and seven sisters.