Stephen Douglass Johnson

He was born on October 31, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the first born son of Robert and Eva (Tulkki) Johnson.

He spent his toddler and early childhood years in Finn Town (Humboldt Ave) with his first cousins, Peter, Stephanie, Karla, Gene and Michael Tulkki.

After graduating from Wayzata Senior High in 1964, he received a degree in auto mechanics from Dunwoody Industrial Arts in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Stephen enlisted with the United States Army, serving his country in Vietnam as a mechanic. After his honorable discharge from service, Stephen worked as an auto mechanic in Minnesota and in Laurium.

Stephen was a skilled worker in multiple trades, including auto mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and electrical. He retired as a part time farmer; assisting his son and daughter.

Stephen was an early computer hobbyist, beginning with the first generation of personal computers.

Stephen enjoyed exploring, (with home made dune buggies) the old mining and timber trails in Michigan’s Copper Country with his brother-in-law; Jerry Kangas.

Stephen loved researching genealogy of the Finnish people. He was known as the person to consult with, when genealogy enthusiasts had questions about their heritage. During a trip to Finland, Stephen researched historical Parish records for the Tulkki and Johnson family genealogy.

Stephen spent many hours helping his children with remodeling and repairing their homes. When his grandchildren were old enough, they would ride with him during the many trips around Laurium.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Eva F. Johnson; his son, Robert Eli Johnson; his sister, Dagny (Kangas); his brothers, Robert, Richard, Ronald, Thomas and Phillip.

He was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Calumet.

He is survived by his children, Laura Johnson of Kearsarge, Kevin (Melissa) Johnson of Jacobsville, Brian (Carrie) Johnson of Minnesota, Sara (Bret) Pieti of Hancock, Emily Johnson of Laurium, Hannah (Ben) Ruohonen of Boston Location; his grandchildren, Valerie, Alyssa, Kendra, Robbie, Katelyn, Chase, Eli, Max, Isaiah, Aubrey, Coral, Caleb, Emma, Matthew, Andrew, Lydia, Tricia, and Isaac; his father, Robert R. Johnson; his siblings, Loren (Bonnie), Gordon (Linda), Daryl, Barbara (Eric) Eastman, JulieAnn (John) Rahkola, Stuart, Timothy and Heidi (Kurt) Rahkola; numerous (100s) nieces, nephews and cousins; and special friend, Claire Kohlemainen of Calumet.

A private family funeral service was held. A graveside service will held in the Spring of 2021.

Online condolences for the family may be left at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.