Al Johnson
Lansing, MI
Our beloved Papa Al passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 15th with his loving wife and friends by his side.
He will always be remembered for his sweet and caring manner, great humor, and loving heart.
He was born December 15, 1929, to Gust and Lydia (Olson) Johnson in Minneapolis, MN.
Al was a passionate musician who loved playing his trumpet, and brought joy to so many through his music. He had the honor of playing with many bands around the country, including the Crystal Cathedral Orchestra, but was especially proud to play for the U.S. Air Force Band of the West.
He was a proud veteran, serving his country in the 8th Air Force Strategic Air Command. He was honorably discharged in 1953 while serving at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, TX. He was also very proud of his work as a Federal Court reporter for 35 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his sister, Joyce (Glenn); and his nephews, children and grandchildren, whom he loved so much.
His family would like to extend a very special thank you to the amazing nurses, aides and staff of Regency at Lansing West, who cared for him at his final home the past few months, as well as his nursing team from Great Lakes Caring Hospice. Al asked for a special mention of his beloved Precious, with whom he is now reunited. He also wanted to thank his stepdaughter, Tammy, for her help over the past few months, and her promise to see his final wishes fulfilled, just as he wanted.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with visitation starting at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Al’s honor to: Disabled American Veterans or The Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
2 Messages to “Al Johnson”
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Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley
September 23, 2018 at 2:54 pmTo the family of Al,
I was sad to read of the passing of Al – but sadder still is that he lived in Lansing and I did not know it. The context of my memories goes back to Flint. Al was active in the church where our family attended. In fact, Al was my third grade Sunday School teacher. I still have in my library the Bible that he gave to the students with his signiture in the front. I began playing the trumpet because of his influence. I have played most of my life – earning two degrees in music from Michigan State. Career wise, I have been a United Methodist minister for 38 years, most of which has been spent in the Lansing area. Currently, I serve as the Senior Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids. My father was the band director at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint where Al played. They were good friends back then.
I will always be grateful for Al’s influence as both Sunday School teacher and musician. When I started playing, I remember telling my dad that I wanted to play the trumpet just like Al Johnson! I worked and worked to accomplish that goal. He was a special person who gave a young boy some dreams that have materialized.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God’s comfort and strenth be yours.
Rev. Dr. Robert Hundley
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Karen Holoweiko Hackett
September 29, 2018 at 11:08 amOh my gosh. I am so sorry to learn of Al’s passing. Sending my love to Linda and Tammy and all who loved him.