Harvey––Russell T. Johnson, 69, of 1624 East M-28, Marquette, entered eternal life Monday, March 31, 2008, in Florida while visiting his daughter.
Russ was born November 3, 1938, in Wakefield, a son of Otto and Edith (Hill) Johnson. He was raised in Wakefield and, as he said, 'tough as nails, hard as bricks, Wakefield High School Class of '56' was his motto. Following graduation, he worked for a time at the White Pine Mine before marrying Sharon Peterson on August 4, 1961. The couple moved to Minneapolis where Russ enrolled in the Dunwoody College of Technology, earning certification as an appliance technician and repairman. After completing his coursework, he was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Minneapolis for three years. Russ returned to Marquette where he was employed for over fifteen years with Montgomery Ward as manager of their service department. When the Marquette Ward store closed, Russ struck out on his own, servicing and repairing appliances. Russ also worked as a shift manager at the Holiday gas station in Harvey for a time. He retired in 1998. Russ married Carol Nannestad in 1981 and they were happily married 25 years when she preceded him in death on December 23, 2006. Russ was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marquette. He was an avid reader, enjoyed history, and was fascinated with old cars. He also liked to fish and go to the family camp at Elbow Lake in Gogebic County.
Survivors include his daughter, Kris (Peter) McKirdy of Cooper City, FL; two step-daughters, Christine (William) Richter of St. Charles, IL, and Terri (John) Leake of Soldotna, AK; two step-sons, Jeffery Nannestad of Kona, HI, and Eric (Mindy) Nannestad of Harvey; his grandchildren, Ryan, Catherine, and Zachary McKirdy; 11 step-grandchildren, Jordan Nannestad, Nick and Rachel Richter, Joseph (Carol) Richter, Jimmy, Alexandra, John, Angela, and Amelia Leake, Britni Brady, and Alec Nannestad; and 4 step great-grandchildren, Jacob and Peyton Richter, and Landin and Zane Leake; two nephews, Mike and John Perron; and a niece, Kim Mahler. In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Carol (Nannestad) Johnson in 2006; his step-grandchild, Michael Nannestad, and by a sister, Constance 'Connie' Perron.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 7, beginning at 10:00 am. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 noon Monday with Rev. Martha Murchison, officiating. A reception will be held in the church social parlors. Inurnment will be made in the church memorial garden in the spring.