ASHLAND, Wis. - Dennis James Johnson, 74, of Ashland, formerly of Bessemer, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota, after a brief illness.

Dennis was born on Jan. 6, 1950, in Ironwood, Michigan, the youngest of three sons to Eanar and Melissa (Proctor) Johnson. He graduated from A.D. Johnston High School, Gogebic Community College and Northern Michigan University. He received a bachelor's degree in accounting/business along with a teaching certificate. He worked at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility, Indianhead Mountain Ski Resort, Holiday Station stores in Wakefield, Michigan, and Ashland, concluding his working career at Court Manor in Ashland.

Dennis was married to the love of his life, Karen Nelson, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood. They were looking forward to their 50th wedding anniversary this coming November.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his fur babies, Peanut and Tipper; a brother, Bill (Grace) McDonald; his brother-in-law, Mark (Dorothy) Nelson; his sisters-in-law, Donna (Glenn) Korpi, Linda (Dennis) Dufrane, Paula (Robert) Rigoni, Lenore (Keith) Jackson and Elizabeth "Betty" Johnson; and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Arthur; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Philip and Angeline Nelson; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Glenn and Diana Nelson.

At his request, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10:30 a.m., at the United Presbyterian Congregational Church, 214 Vaughn Ave., Ashland, with the Rev. James F. Deters officiating.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Interment will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood, at a later date.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.