"Mrs. Johnson and family, I was saddened to read of Norman's passing.Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
NORMAN E. JOHNSON
March 18, 1935 - July 1, 2012
Norman E. Johnson, age 77, also lovingly known by family and friends as "Gene," "Strawberry," and "Boz," of Fort Wayne, IN passed away from heart failure after back surgery at 1:53 a.m. Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.Born March 18, 1935 in Richland Township, Whitley County, IN, he was the son of Leonard and Mary (Barr) Johnson.
He grew up in Noble County where he graduated from Albion High School with the Class of 1953.After graduation, he served in the United States Army Reserves.On December 20, 1970, he married Sue Ellen Stangland in Noble County.He was employed by Navistar for 30 years; worked in the insurance field for 27 years; andowned Johnson's Strawberry Farm where he raised strawberries and produce for 42 years. An Indiana high school basketball enthusiast, he coached high school basketball, youth basketball and traveled the state attending basketball games.His memberships included American Legion Post #0047 of Fort Wayne and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association.
Survivors include Sue Johnson of Wolf Lake; daughter, Kerri L. Johnson of Kendallville; sons, Jeremy J. (Linda) Johnson of Noblesville and Joshua J. (Joanna) Johnson of Greenfield; four grandsons, Dallas, Jedi, Brady and Colt; step daughters, Tami Sierra of Fort Wayne and Becky Reidenbach of South Bend; brother, James L. (Anna) Johnson of Columbia City; two step grandchildren, Joseph and Donielle; three step great grandchildren, Nevaeh, Tristin and Brooklyn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Kelli L. Johnson; sisters, Virginia, Mary Alice and Eunice; and brother, Don Johnson.
Visitation is Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 3-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral service is Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11 a.m. with calling one hour prior to service at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Pulley officiating.Burial to follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Johnson to Greenfield-Central Boy's Basketball with checks payable to GCYBB.
Tributes
"My condolences to Norm's family - he was a dear, dear man.Always so kind and gentle and such a great sense of humor.He knew how to grow wonderful strawberries.He knew how to grow beautiful mums.He know how to love and laugh.He was so proud of his children.I shall miss him, but have wonderful memories of good times.Rest in peace, my friend."
"Although I have never met your family, I heard Norm speak of you with pride and love. I met Norm through my friend Bill Leiter and I thoroughly enjoyed his friendship and humor. One couldn't tell which one..Bill or Norm..would be the straight man to the other's antics. Norm will surely be missed by many . My most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kay Williams"
"I met Norm after playing golf one night, and I was visiting a local watering hole to cool down.Once he found out I taught at Columbia City High School for 10 years, and was a big supporter of the Eagle basketball teams while I was there... I think I had a friend for life. Although his knowledge of basketball was much greater than mine, every time I saw Norm he was anxious to talk about basketball, who I knew in Columbia City, and mutual acquiantances we had. He always had a smile on his face, and seemed genuinely happy to see me.I was always happy to see him.Although I only knew him a few short years, I will miss our conversations.I just wanted to let your family know that this is the effect Norm had on me, and I'm sure countless others as well. As another said, "a good man."Thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time."
"Dear Johnson family, I would like to express mylove and sympathy to you at this difficult time.I have been praying much. Since I lost my father a year ago, Iknow how to pray.May the God of all comfort be near in these coming days and weeks. Love From Quito,Ecuador, Rita"
"Norm was an amazing person! He loved his family and loved life. He was so laughable and loveable. I have many memories of Norm and the family, growing up working on the farm, making cold calls for their insurance and cleaning their home. The Johnson's were a second family to me for a long long time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Love to all."
"God will definitely show you the way to smiling again. I know this experience will change you forever. Just remember all the good times you shared with your dad and all the love he gave you throughout the years. He is not gone. He will live in your heart forever.My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Julie"
"I first met Mr. Johnson when I was still in college.It was always a big deal when Jeremy''s Dad would come to visit because we all liked him... and in a sense, we all looked up to him.He was always quick with a joke or a smile, and had a natural way of making others around him feel good.I often hear people use the term "good man" when describing a friend or loved one.Well, I know Mr. Johnson was indeed a good man because I see those same qualities we all admired shine through in both of his sons.I know that he is proud of them, and I know that he loves his entire family dearly.I consider it a privelege to have known him, and I know that he will be missed.I pray that God will ease the suffering of your loss as only He can. "
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. "