LeRoy 'Lee' Johnson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – LeRoy "Lee" Johnson, 92, a prominent longtime Ontonagon businessman, resident of Wakefield, formerly of Ontonagon, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025, with his loving wife and family at his side.

Lee was born on Nov. 26, 1932, in Escanaba, to Albert "Al" and Goldie Johnson. He lived a life rich with dedication, service and an enduring love for family and community.

Lee's early years were shaped in Bark River, where he attended a small four-room K-8 school and took piano lessons from the Sisters at St. Anne Catholic School—a passion he carried into adulthood. He was a Boy Scout who achieved the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout, later serving as a Scout Leader when his own children followed in his footsteps.

At the age of 10, Lee joined the family business, Johnson's Ford Garage, operating the business wrecker service during World War II, a time when labor was scarce. This early experience ignited his lifelong passion for automobiles.

A graduate of Bark River High School (1950), Lee was active in band, basketball and football. He pursued higher education at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (1954) while working at Sexton Ford in Moline, Illinois.

In 1955, Lee answered the call to service, joining the U.S. Army serving in Korea until his honorable discharge. He received a Good Conduct Medal and letters of commendation, taking immense pride in his service to his country.

From 1961 to 1973, Lee served as general manager of Bessemer Auto Company, a role that honed his business acumen. In 1973, he married Verna Faline, sharing 52 years of love and adventure. Together, they explored Europe and later traveled extensively across the United States, including a meaningful trip to assist with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

In 1973 the Johnson family moved to Ontonagon, where Lee co-owned and operated Courtesy Chevrolet-Olds-Buick and Carquest Auto Parts with Norman Lindrus until his retirement in 1999.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life. Lee was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church (Bark River), Siloa Lutheran Church (Ontonagon, 43 years) and Sharon Lutheran Church (his current church).

A proud veteran, Lee was a former member of Bark River American Legion, Ontonagon Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rockland American Legion and Ontonagon County Veterans Association. He served 10 years as a volunteer DAV van driver, ensuring veterans received transportation for their medical needs.

Lee's hobbies and interests included hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, traveling, and reading. Above all, he loved engaging with people, sharing stories, jokes and the treasured memories of his youth with his children, grandchildren and nephews.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife, Verna; children, Michael (Michele) Johnson, Patricia (Mark Wourms) Johnson, Scott (Lee Ra) Johnson and Lisa (Jim) LaVallee; grandchildren, Joe (Naomi Edelman) Johnson, Kate Johnson, Mary (Logan) Frost, Jens (TuMai) Johnson, Jake Johnson, Forrest Wourms, Logan Wourms, Dennis (Amber) Karttunen and Eli Karttunen; great-grandchildren, Harbor and Jordy Karttunen and Autumn Rose Johnson; brother-in-law, Carl (Linda) Faline and their children, Sarah Dela Isla, David Faline and Jenny Faline; sister-in-law, Lynn (Don) Ormes and their sons, Jon Ormes, Tim (Kelly) Ormes and Chris (Emily) Ormes; sister-in-law, Nan Johnson and sons, Jeff (Diane) Johnson and Todd Johnson; and other cherished family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Johnson.

Lee Johnson's legacy will live on through his family, his faith and the many lives he touched. His memory will be cherished always.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 28, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church, 100 E. Sellar St., in Bessemer, with the Rev. Brittany Barkus and the Rev. Ted Trudgeon officiating.

Following the service, full military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of the Bessemer American Legion Post 27, Bessemer VFW Post 3673, Rockland American Legion Post 92 and the OCVA Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

A luncheon will be served at Kastman Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rockland American Legion Post 92, Box 342, Rockland, MI 49960, Siloa Lutheran Church, 218 E. River St., Ontonagon, MI 49953, or St. Vincent DePaul (Ironwood or Bessemer).

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