Michael Kevin Johnson

Michael Kevin Johnson, more commonly known as "Mike" or "MJ", age 65, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on June 27, 2023.

Mike was born in Lansing, MI to Mary Lou (Calcatera) and Kenneth "Ken" Johnson on March 16, 1958. He was a proud graduate of Pennfield High School where he was a stellar athlete and went on to play basketball and attend college at Northwood University.

Mike married Lori Perry in 1985. While together, they were blessed with three daughters.

Mike had a long-time career in construction and later became employed by Archway Cookies where he was an award-winning salesman before retiring. He enjoyed spending the majority of his time with family and friends. Whether it was the Michigan State Spartans, the Pennfield Panthers, his children's, nephew's, or grandchildren's sporting events, you could count on Mike being there. Always being the first to arrive and ready to go!

In his other free time, he enjoyed his stays at deer camp, hunting and fishing, trips to the Schrauben cottage and the U.P., playing bean bags and cards, spending days by the pool, watching the "tube", and pulling up so often on mornings with Sweetwaters Donuts for his grandkids, that he earned the nick-name “Papa Donut”.

Mike is survived by his father, Ken (Corrine) Johnson; his three daughters, Ashlee Johnson (David Mitchell), Ericka Markos, and Jana (Cody) Hoffman; his grandchildren, Brixton Hoffman, Cashton Markos, Nori Hoffman, Royal Mitchell, Jovi Hoffman, and Jude Hoffman; his brother, Scott (Sheri) Johnson; his sister, Jill (Eric) Petersen; his brother-in-law, Rick Grise; his nephews, Jeff Johnson, Grant Petersen, and Ryne Petersen; and his nieces, Chelsey (Travis) Smith and Samantha Grise.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Johnson; his sisters, Jackie Johnson-Garoutte, and Jeanne Grise; and a grandbaby, whom he met in Heaven.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 105 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017.  A Celebration of Life will be held 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 7th @ the Vale Street Venue, 1745 E. Columbia Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49014. A luncheon will follow.  In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the Pennfield Athletic Boosters, C/O Athletic Office,  8299 Pennfield Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49017.  Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

The family created a beautiful slideshow of memories and it may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/843199793/5af91eac28