BESSEMER, Mich. – John William Johnson III, 83, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at the Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, Wisconsin, with his loving family at his side.

John was born on June 4, 1940, in Milwaukee, a son of Gladys Clara (Gerlach) and John W. Johnson Jr. He attended A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer and graduated in 1958.

Following graduation, John proudly served his country for three years in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged as a specialist fourth grade on June 16, 1961.

On March 10, 1962, John married the love of his life, Carolyn Ruth Hill, at the Hope Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. They made their home in Milwaukee until 1990, and were blessed with five children.

John was an avid outdoorsman and a dedicated member for years of the Fin 'N' Feather Sportsmans Club in Dousman, Wisconsin. He was a faithful member of the Layton Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

John was a talented machinist in Milwaukee and concluded his working career as a student aide, custodian and bus driver at the Bessemer Area Schools. He will be missed.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; five children, Jeffrey, Todd, Cathy (Joe) Skibbie, Michael (Anna) and John IV (Michaela); 10 grandchildren, Alli (Amit), Liana (Tony), Morgan, Matthew, Lindsay, Luke, Tyler, Charlie, William and Olin; a great-grandson, Silas; a sister, Cheryl (Ron) Ulvila; his brother-in-law, Richard (Bonnie) Hill; two sisters-in-law, Gerri Hill and Francyne Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Konstu and Sylvia Hill; a brother, Tom; and his brother-in-law, Jim Hill.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Doug Norquist officiating.

A lunch will be served at the church fellowship hall immediately following the funeral.

Memorial contributions in John's name can be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 S. Curry St., Ironwood, MI 49938.

A private interment will take place at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer, in the spring.

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