Stephen Alfred Johnson

He was born on June 11, 1949, in Pontiac, the son of Theodore and Anne (Zivicnyak) Johnson.

In 1967, Stephen graduated from Brother Rice High School in Birmingham.

He then went into the U.S. Navy for four years, during the Vietnam War. He was on the maiden voyage of the USS John F. Kennedy.

Stephen received a bachelor’s degree from NMU in criminal justice and psychology.

He worked as a social worker at Keweenaw Academy, then for the Wisconsin prison system.

Stephen retired in 2003, when he moved back to L’Anse to help care for his parents. He also owned Huron Bay Construction Company.

Stephen loved building, hunting, fishing, the outdoors, and feeding animals. He also enjoyed singing and dancing.

He was very compassionate and kind, reaching out to anyone in need. He was also dedicated to helping veterans.

Surviving are his brother, Theodore (Janet) Johnson of Calumet; his sisters, Salli Gruca of Shelby Township, and Mary Johnson of Fort Collins, Colorado; his nieces and nephews, Christine Meinke, Tim Meinke, Kirk Meinke, Michael (Bernetia) Johnson, Patrick (Michelle) Gruca, John (Shawna) Gruca and Jennifer (Michael Banville) Gruca; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents; his sister, Susan Meinke; and his brother-in-law, Dr. John Gruca.

There will be graveside services at the Mt. Hope Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Omega House, 2211 Maureen Lane, Houghton, MI 49931; Baraga County Area Veterans, 505 Superior Ave., Baraga, MI 49908; or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.

The Jacobson Funeral Home in L’Anse is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Stephen’s guest book or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.