David John Johnson

David John Johnson, 80, of Kawkawlin, passed away from cancer on October 9, 2025. He was born on June 4, 1945, in Hale, Michigan, to Dale and Agnes (Clayton) Johnson. He graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1963 and earned a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Counseling, both from Central Michigan University. Dave retired from Bay City Public Schools following a career of more than 30 years as a math teacher, counselor, and dean of students. He worked at Western High School and T.L. Handy but spent the majority of his career at Central High School.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sara (Wishart). Dave was a loving father and role model to his daughters, Deanna (John) Hodgson and Kristin Vanderhorst, and he treasured all time and experiences shared with his grandchildren, Liam (Caleb) Hodgson, Olivia Vanderhorst, and Beckett Vanderhorst. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Elona (Krivy) Johnson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith VanRiper; brother, Douglas Johnson; brothers-in-law, Merton Wishart and Jack VanRiper; and his parents.

Dave was an enthusiastic and active person with many interests. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family, and retirement allowed him to explore many more destinations with them. He enjoyed hunting, golf, fishing on his boat in Saginaw Bay with his first mate, Bailey, and at fishing camp on Esnagi Lake, gardening (renowned for his strawberry patch), and birding. For more than 50 years, he participated in a weekly poker group with friends.

He was an avid carpenter throughout his life, working with his brother to build his family home, and he crafted many pieces of furniture. After retirement, Dave became an expert woodturner, which combined with his mathematical background to reveal a particular talent for segmented turning. His work was twice selected to be shown at ArtPrize and once at the Governor's Mansion, and he gave presentations on woodturning and the Golden Ratio. Throughout his life, Dave was always learning, teaching, or both, and he combined these passions by instructing woodturning students in his basement workshop and in classes at the Bay Veterans Foundation, and by sharing his knowledge and skill with family and friends.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Gephart Funeral Home (201 W. Midland St. Bay City, MI 48706). Officiating will be Rev. Linda Williams. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, any memorials be directed to the Toni and Trish House in Auburn, Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City, or the charity of your choice. A fellowship will follow at the Doubletree in Bay City (One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI 48708).