CHARLES J. JOHNSON

May 23, 1926 - Jan. 11, 2014
MISHAWAKA - Charles J. Johnson, 87, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. He was born on May 23, 1926, in South Bend, IN, to the late Bernhard D. and Verna K. (Wilkeson) Johnson. On May 26, 1984, in Mishawaka, IN, he married Betty M. (Tetzlaff) Snyder Johnson, who survives.

Charles graduated from Central High School, South Bend, and attended Michigan State University.

Charles served in the United States Army during World War II in the Philippines, and was a life member of American Legion Post #9, Madison, IN. He owned and operated as a highly skilled builder-contractor the family firm: B.D. Johnson & Son Construction Company in South Bend from 1949-1967. Beginning in 1968, he owned and operated Nekstad Farm, a dairy operation in Marcellus, MI. Late in his career, and while living in Madison, IN, Charles was an estimator/planner for the United States Army at the Jefferson Proving Ground. Upon retirement, he worked briefly at G.L. Perry Variety Store in Goshen. Charles enjoyed watercolor painting as well as travelling, especially his trips to visit relatives in Norway and Thailand.

Along with his wife, Betty Johnson, he is also survived by four daughters, Katherine M. Johnson of Dowagiac, MI, Jennifer L. Deer of Marcellus, MI, Marianne (Thomas) Ingersoll of Peoria, IL, and Amy L. (Victoria) Johnson of Libertyville, IL; his son, Nicholas D. Johnson; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Anna Marie Cunvong of Mishawaka. He is also survived by Betty's children, Sheila K. (Tom) Nate, Ronald (Juanita "Rose") Snyder and Marie Perry.

Funeral services will be held at noon Friday, January 17, 2014, at Palmer Funeral Homes-River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Rev. Steven Latzke, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, will officiate. Military honors and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until time of services on Friday in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Charles may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jan. 15, 2014.

02/02/2023 EJS