Gerald "Bud" Johnson

The Battle over, with his body torn and weary, he lay his sweet head down to rest…Distant Drums, Rhythmic Oars, Northern Winds and the tall Pine Swirling.  Watchman of the Woods, Keeper of the Flame, Guardian of our Farm and Family.   Standing strong and silent in Heaven, until we meet again.  

Gerald Lynn Johnson was born February 13, 1943, at the Sparrow Hospital in East Lansing to Gerald Norman Johnson and Edith Willette (Bebee) Johnson.  He and his mother lived in a little house on Jones Street while Gerald Sr. served in World War II.  These were very difficult years and he grew very close to his Grandpa Bebee.

In 1946 after the war, his father purchased his Grandfather Johnson’s Farm on Maple Grove Road in Hayes Township.  He grew up on the family farm with his seven younger siblings and two young uncles.  He attended Charlevoix Public Schools, was an exceptional athlete, participated in sports, lettered in track, and graduated in 1961.  

Gerald was a natural-born woodsman.  He worked alongside his father in the Logging Business and Saw Mill, KANT HARDLEY LUMBER GERALD N. JOHNSON & SONS.  He and his father put in many roads and subdivisions throughout Northern Michigan.  He kept meticulous records of every log cut and skidded, destinations and dates.  He had an extraordinary memory for dates and historical facts.

He was spiritually connected to the woods.  As a young boy, he became friends with Chief Emory Red Bird and throughout the years the would hunt partridge together, sitting in silence with their backs against the same tree facing in opposite directions.  He loved being in his 40 acre woods, walking with his father, living on the farm, and being close to his family.

He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and served in Germany.  He was a Corporal in the 3^rd Battalion, 11^th Artillery of the 24^th Infantry Division 7^th Army, serving from 1964 to 1966.  He was a Military Guard at NATO 16 after having been vetted by the FBI and achieved the highest clearance ranking, he guarded Nuclear Weapons Depots.  After his return from Germany, he declined the FBI’s offers, to work for his father’s logging business.  He was discharged from the National Guard Service on August 31, 1970.  He received the Sharpshooter’s Rifle Medal and National Defense Service Medal.   He served with honor and distinction and was given the nickname “Hercules”.

In 1976, he began working at Medusa Cement Co. in Charlevoix, Michigan.  He continued to work with his father until the Saw Mill was shut down in 1985.  He drove “Euclids” The Big Trucks in the Quarry until his retirement in 2005.  

Throughout his life he would sacrifice all so we could have everything.  He lived his entire life on his beloved Family Farm on Maple Grove Road.  Sitting for hours in silence, reflecting on the past.   He went on his last deer hunt with his nephew Gerald in November of 2022.

Gerald was preceded in death by his Grandparents, John Adolph Johnson & Hazel Lillian (Smith) Johnson, Otto Eldon Bebee & Hazel Willette (Smedley) Bebee; his parents Gerald Norman Johnson & Edith Willette (Bebee) Johnson; and his beloved brothers, Michael and Gilbert.

He is survived by his sisters Hazel (Gary) Loder, Judy Johnson, Cindy (Steve) Johnecheck, Melody (Gerald) Marquardt, and Bonnie Johnson.   He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

A memorial service with military honors will take place at a later date at the Undine Cemetery in Hayes Township.

“Silence is the absolute balance of the body, mind, and spirit.  Silence is the cornerstone of Character.  Let us be still.” – Gerald Lynn Johnson

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com