Mitch Johnson went to his heavenly home on March 13, 2025. He was unexpectedly hospitalized on March 12th and although he and his family received excellent care, the good Lord knew how Mitch felt about being hospitalized, and raised him up to heaven. He was born in Ludington on July 8, 1938, to Ralph and May (Dowland) Johnson.

Mitch was a descendent of Fredrick Dowland who was one of the founding fathers of Ludington. He grew up in Ludington and being very athletic, played all sports. He was also a contributor to the original straw collection at the House of Flavors. Mitch graduated from Ludington High School in 1956. He continued his education at the Spencerian Business School in Milwaukee, WI where he obtained a degree in Stenography. While in Milwaukee he met Valerie Frohmader and the two were married on May 23, 1959 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Watertown, WI. They moved to Hart, MI where he was employed as the Court Reporter for the 27th Judicial Circuit Court for Oceana and Newaygo Counties. Mitch held this position for 42 years before retiring in 2002 as Court Administrator. 

Mitch wore many hats in the City of Hart—and not all of them were great at keeping his head warm. A true pillar of the community, Mitch was always ready to lend a hand (or a helmet). Encouraged by friends he joined the Hart Area Fire Department, where he served for an impressive 26 years—several of those as an officer on the Hart Area Fire Command Board. He also helped establish the Oceana County Ambulance Service, proving that when it came to emergency response, he was always ahead of the sirens. Not one to sit still, Mitch also worked as a Deputy for Sheriff Warren Stanton at the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office. His dedication to public service extended into city government, where he served on various boards and commissions, was a City of Hart council member and was elected Mayor for two terms (which, fortunately, required fewer helmets). He also managed to make time to volunteer countless hours to Hart’s school booster club, including chaperoning many band competition events. In his well-earned retirement, Mitch embraced the great outdoors, enjoying hunting, camping, and traveling. He never turned down a good game of cornhole, whether with his camping club or family—though whether he played for fun or bragging rights is up for debate. In 2012, he and his wife moved to Montague to be closer to family and became members of Lebanon Lutheran Church.

Mitch was known for his quick wit and his genuine kindness and caring. He deeply loved his family and truly “showed up” to support them. He could be seen and heard at the sporting events his children and grandchildren participated in. Besides his love of family, Mitch was an avid Michigan State fan. He was also known to enjoy a Manhattan, his beloved deer shack in the U.P., and Dutch Chocolate ice cream.

Mitch is survived by: his wife of 66 years, Valerie; daughters, Susan (Frank) Fredriksen, Lisa (Michael) Clark; and son Tom (Rachelle) Johnson; grandchildren, Brianna, Mitchell, Courtney, Cassady, Miranda, Amanda, Clay; 5 great-grandchildren; and his brother Toby.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 7 pm, Friday, March 21, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455.  Please join the family in honoring Mitch’s love for Dutch Chocolate ice cream at an Ice Cream Social, at 2:30pm, Saturday, hosted at the Lebanon Lutheran Church prior to services.  Memorial services will be conducted at 4 pm, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S. Mears Avenue, Whitehall, Michigan, 49461, with Pastor Douglas M. Ogden officiating.

Donations to honor Mitch can be made to the Kirk Gibson Foundation https://www.kirkgibsonfoundation.org/ or donor’s choice. 

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com