Alvin Jay Johnston, 81, passed away on August 22nd, 2026, at his home in Wyoming, Michigan.

He preferred to be called Al or Papa and was born on August 15th, 1945 in Bailey, Michigan to Leroy and Marvel Johnston. After a decade of employment at GM-Oldsmobile he transitioned to Gibson/Electrolux where he dedicated over 30 years of service. 

Outside of work, Al could be found, repairing engines on just about anything including, motorbikes, lawn mowers, tractors, and cars. As he was self taught, if stuck on an issue for himself or when helping others, often there would be piles of reference books along with a kitchen table of greased pieces and parts waiting to be puzzled back together again. He had a love woodworking, and designed tables and wardrobes along with building, remodeling and expanding the family home. 

He gave back by sharing those skills with family and friends by helping to hang drywall, siding, doing cement work and even raising a roof or two. He truly enjoyed long Sunday drives through the country, looking at farms and their seasonal transitions which often ended with a stop to enjoy supper at a cracker barrel.

Al is survived by his children: Lisa, Deb, Diane, Chris (Becky), Scott (Paige) & R’Shelle (Dan), as well as an extended, blended family including numerous generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Along with his siblings:Elizabeth Jones (Ron), Patricia Adams, Jerry Johnston (Bonnie), and Wanda (Denny) Mutschler

He was preceded in death by his wife: Jill Johnston, and his parents, Leroy and Marvel Johnston, and siblings Dolores Ida (12), and Charles Leroy (80).

A “celebration of life” event will be planned to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Optimal Hospice. https://www.optimal.care/foundation

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Al’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.