Esther Harriet Johnson

SKANDIA TOWNSHIP - Esther Harriet Johnson, age 61, of Skandia Township, passed away on February 23, 2026.

Esther was born on July 12, 1964, in Munising, Michigan, the daughter of Raymond and Harriet (Credland) Kienitz. She was raised on the family farm in Chatham and graduated from Eben High School. Esther continued her education at Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Teaching Education on December 17, 1988.

Following her graduation, Esther completed her student teaching at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rogers City, Michigan, teaching both kindergarten and first grade. After a year of student teaching, she moved to Springdale, Arkansas, where she taught for several years before returning home to the family farm in Eben. While working at the Country Market in Skandia, her sister introduced her to the love of her life, Dean Johnson. The couple were united in marriage on August 30, 2002 and made their home together in Skandia Township.

Esther worked as a substitute teacher before beginning her career as a receptionist with Range Telecommunications, where she faithfully served for 15 years. After retiring, she and Dean worked side by side on their farm on Selma Road, staying busy and enjoying the life they built together.

A devoted Christian, Esther loved teaching and shared her faith through many years of teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School since the time of her confirmation. She enjoyed needlework, reading, cake decorating, gardening, fishing, and taking pride in caring for her flowers. Esther was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed being a spectator at sporting events. She loved walking her dogs in all kinds of weather and was always game for anything. Known for her kindness, strong faith, fun-loving spirit, and wonderful cooking, Esther brought warmth and joy to those around her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dean Johnson; her siblings, Lucy Kienitz, Edward Kienitz, Louie (Diana) Kienitz, Floyd Kienitz, Norma Kienitz, and Ted Kienitz; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Harriet Kienitz; her sisters, Marion and Judy Kienitz; and her brother-in-law, Sonny Richmond.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Marquette Hope-Skandia Campus, 189 Kreiger Drive, Skandia, MI 49885.

Friends may call at the Marquette Hope-Skandia Campus on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon with Rev. Christopher Hintz officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church hall.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com