Wayne H. Johnson

Wayne H. Johnson was born April 6, 1948 to Benjamin and Lucille Johnson in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He passed away peacefully on December 13, 2020, in the presence of his beloved family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Lucille, and sister, Joanne. Wayne led by example from an early age. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1966 and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1970 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree. He began his career at the age of 20 by earning his Michigan master plumber’s license. After graduating from college, he owned and operated Ideal Plumbing & Heating and Ideal Sheet Metal in Benton Harbor. He retired in 1997 and began working as a union master plumber for Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 357. He will be remembered for his commitment and service to his community. Wayne served on the Board of the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Authority, and as a Trustee for the Plumbers and Pipefitters’ Union Local 357 Pension Fund. He greatly enjoyed participating as a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post No. 85. Wayne was also a man of faith, regularly attending Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. Wayne was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his cherished wife, Natalie (Layman) Johnson, who he married on May 1, 1987. He is also survived by his son, Jason (Ann) Johnson of Ada, Michigan, daughter, Stephanie (Curt) Kurzenhauser of Portland, Oregon, eight grandchildren: Grace, Sofia, Connor, and Private 2nd Class Benjamin Johnson, U.S. Army, and Noah, Zora, Bela and Rose Kurzenhauser; and siblings: Brad (Georgia) Johnson, Jean Johnson, Dean (Milisa) Johnson and Dennis (Wanda) Johnson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085 or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, 5400 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085 (www.humanesocietyswm.org). A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, December 18, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Court St., St. Joseph with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory of Wayne online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com