Phillip Johnson

To our wonderful Husband, Father, Pop Pop, Brother, and Dearest Friend. Without a doubt we are to miss that infectious laugh and booming voice. Also, your constant need to be moving and going. You did not have an Off button, except if the news was on. You did everything and anything and worked hard to reap your dreams. You were a very good salesman! You were dedicated and passionate in everything you did and loved your family to pieces. When work was done you played even harder. Your love for life was contagious! People could always tell where Phil was by his car, family, friends, or loud music. In the end he wasn’t able to survive and suddenly left us all in disbelief and surprise on Friday, January 5, 2024. Phil was born May 6, 1964, in Rochester, Minnesota. He was the baby of five children born to Rev. Donald and Helen Johnson. Phil graduated from Sparta High School with the class of 1982. He married the love of his life, Melissa Kaye Averill on 9/8/1984 at Mamrelund Luther Church in Kent City, Mi., by his father and Rev. Finkbeiner. Phil was an Industrial Salesman for Star Crane & Hoist for over 31 years, where many of the staff were more like family and friends rather than coworkers. Survivors include his wife, Melissa K. Johnson; three daughters, Katieann (Matt) Mikula, Molly (Kevin) Verhaar, and Allison Johnson; grandchildren, Mark and Mattax Mikula and Karahline and Kelvin Verhaar; siblings, Marsha LaVette, Beth (Rick) Mangold, Paula (Jim) Wiegerink, and Kent (Sue) Johnson; brother-in-law, David Averill; and many nieces, nephews, and very close friends. Phil was preceded in death by his son, Erik Johnson in 2022; his parents; brothers-in-law, Doug LaVette and Gordon Averill; and sister-in-law, Ann Averill. Gathering of family and friends will take place Friday, January 26, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, 4085 Lutheran Church Road NW, Kent City, MI 49330. Visitation will continue on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Michael Conklin officiating and a luncheon to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Go Fund Me page set up in memory of Phil. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for everyone’s love, support, and prayers given throughout this difficult time. “We Love You Phil, Go In Peace” To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Phil’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Phillip Johnson, please visit our flower store.