Dorothy “Dottie” Johnson, age 91, died Tuesday, March 23,.
Dorothy graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1947. For more than five decades she and her high school girlfriends gathered once each year for a reunion luncheon.
Besides being a mother and grandmother, she worked outside the home – first at Princess Bakery in Roger’s Plaza and then in the greenhouses out near Gun Lake. But her real passion was helping friends and family. Whether being a best friend, a caregiver, or a volunteer, she would be there if you needed her.
One of her favorite places to volunteer was at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans – helping with everything from cooking classes to assisting the veterans in getting around with their wheelchairs. Spending her Decembers wrapping presents for the Santa Claus Girls was another priority for her.
She enjoyed the outdoors. In the summer. She and her husband Jerry would plant flowers around the house. Flower baskets the size of small weather balloons would decorate the yard and feeeding the ducks and the birds.
Though small in stature, she was a giant when it came to voicing her opinions and standing up for what is right.
She is survived by her children Mike (Julie) Johnson; grandchildren Chris (Katie) Johnson and Rebecca Johnson; great-grandchildren Kyla and Preston Johnson; as well as her many friends and neighbors. Dottie’s nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart.
Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Johnson; parents Joseph and Margaret Weidenfeller; sister, Jeanette Reed; brother-in-law, Mike Reed; sister, Margaret Piebenga; brother, Joe Feller; father-in-law, Dorval Johnson; mother-in-law, Stella Johnson; sister-in-law, Dorothy Johnson; sister-in-law, Sharon Brower; brother-in-law, Keith Brower; brother-in-law, Robert Johnson; and sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson.
Visitation with friends and relatives will take place 11 a.m. to noo. Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 4330 18th Street, Dorr. All guests are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Health Department ordinances limit 25 people at a time to be in attendance at the funeral home.
In honor of Dottie and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.
