Merle John Johnson

1932 - 2013

Merle John Johnson
Jun. 21, 1932-Mar. 17, 2013
Resident of Orinda
Merle Johnson, born June 21, 1932 in Superior, Wisconsin died peacefully surrounded by family on March 17, 2013 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Merle moved to San Francisco where he started a career as a Civil Engineer and Transportation Planner with Caltrans. He met Catherine Frey and they were married in 1961, followed by the birth of their three children. During his career with Caltrans Merle was instrumental in the design of numerous transportation projects throughout the Bay Area including Doyle Drive in San Francisco, the 280, 680, and 24 freeways, Caldecott Tunnel, and initiating the Rideshare carpooling program for Caltrans. Relocating to the East Bay in 1971, Merle started a second career as a Contractor/Developer. In 1996, Merle designed and built his dream home in Orinda where together he and Catherine spent the majority of his later years. In 1999 and 2001 he became a grandfather. His granddaughters were his pride and joy. During their younger years he would take them to and from school and enjoyed spending time with them. Merle was best known for his love of his family, never ending work ethic, his love of travel, serving at church, and volunteering at Loaves & Fishes. He will be dearly missed. Merle is survived by his loving wife Catherine, sisters Adeline and Colleen, his son Larry, his son Craig and wife Cathy, his daughter Karen and husband Paul, and his two granddaughters, Julia and Madeline. A memorial service will be held on April 20th at 2pm at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or The Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church would be appreciated.