Leo Richard Johnson

Leo Richard Johnson, 87, of Benton Harbor passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday evening, March 23, 2010. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be held at 12:00 noon, on Monday March 29, 2010, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, in Benton Harbor, with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph with military rites. The visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Dey-Florin Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in St. Joseph where a Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to either SS John & Bernard Parish or to Disabled Veterans. Leo was born on September 4, 1922, in St. Joseph, MI. He was one of 12 children born to Christian and Elizabeth Johnson. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1941. He married Ruth Samsen on October 10, 1942 in St. Joseph and together they had celebrated close to 66 years of marriage. They celebrated their 65th anniversary with a renewal of their marriage vows with Fr. Bill officiating. Together they had nine children. Leo proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in France and achieved the rank of Sergeant in the 103rd Cactus Division. He received several medals and citations including the Purple Heart Medal. He was dedicated and devoted to his family and his home. He loved life and will be remembered for his contagious sense of humor and his love of country music. Leo also loved riding his motorcycle and enjoyed his ice cream each evening. He was a long-time member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Most of all, Leo cherished his family. He loved holidays and made each one special. Leo retired in 2001 after working as a masonry contractor for more than 60 years. Leo took pride in his work and built a home for his family “brick by brick.” He was still climbing chimneys at age 80! Leo is survived by his children, Mariea (Jerry) Schmitt of Lapeer, John (Susan) Johnson of Loveland, CO, Janet Varney of St. Joseph, Nancy (Richard) Bookwalter of Benton Harbor, Kathy (Lyle) Ott of Stevensville, Kristy (Paul) Schmitt of Stevensville, Debbie (Roy) Nelson of Choctaw, OK; his siblings, Alice Schrieber of St. Joseph, Kenneth Johnson of St. Joseph, Charles Johnson of Loveland, Coloardo, Betty Bazan (Bohm) of Stevensville, Dolores Frantz of St. Joseph, and Richard Johnson of St. Joseph; 17 grandchildren, and his 31 great- grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth in 2008; siblings, William, Robert, Allen, Ruthie, and Joseph Johnson; 2 sons, Bob in 1993 and Jim in 1999, his son-in-law, Jerry Schmitt in 2002, and by his grandson, Josh Bookwalter in 2004.

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Leo Richard Johnson

September 4, 1922 - March 20, 2010