Gregg K. Johnson

Gregg Kendall Johnson, 85, of Bark River, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, January 20, 2024 at his home of natural causes.
He was born in Escanaba on May 10th, 1938, the son of Astred and Alvin (Ahlquist) Johnson. Gregg was raised in Hyde and graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1957.
Gregg began his career at Harnischfeger in 1957 and worked there for 26 years, until their closure. He then went to work at Lake Shore in Iron Mountain, retiring in 2000.
On June 13, 1959, Gregg married Joanne Richer.
Since 1959, Gregg resided in Bark River. He was very active and committed to the Bark River community and Delta County.
Gregg was the Bark River Twp. Supervisor for 44 years and 40 years as the Twp. Assessor, he helped organize Delta County Twp. Association, serving as its first president and held numerous one-year terms since 1976. He represented the Township Association on the 911 Dispatch Committee and Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD).
Gregg loved golfing and was a member of the Highland Golf Club. He enjoyed working on puzzles and made the most beautiful pictures of his puzzles. Gregg was a talented woodworker and specialized in making clocks. He was an avid Detroit Lions and Tiger's fan, enjoyed NASCAR, coached Little League in Schaffer, and loved "old" country music. Gregg cherished his family and he loved attending his grandchildren's activities.
He was a member of the Bark River Harris Booster Club, Lions Club, Harnischfeger Engineer's Club, Rod and Gun Club, Cub Scout Den Leader, Bark River Bicentennial Committee, Bark River Planning Committee, and a devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River.
It was because of the hard work of Gregg and several years of grant applications that the Bark River Senior Center became a part of the community. The center was his "baby" and he was so proud of what it brought and continues to do for Bark River. Another project that Gregg was committed to and spent a lot of time to make happen was providing many participating townships with the Delta County Township Association with household fire numbers.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne Johnson of Bark River; sons, David Johnson of Schaffer and Mark (Lori) Johnson of Wilson; daughter, Sandy (Al) Bloniarz of Iron Mountain; four grandchildren, Ariel (Joey) Bloniarz, Nick (Laura) Johnson, Emily Johnson, and Mitchell Johnson; three great grandchildren, Tiana Bloniarz, and Brooke and Aubrey Johnson; sister-in-law, Pat Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Gregg was preceded in death by his grandson, Owen Johnson; and brothers, Dale, Curtis, and Wally.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25th, from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Bark River. The funeral service will follow at the Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Steven Hartten officiating. A meal will follow at the Bark River Senior Center. All are encouraged to join the family to celebrate the life of Gregg.
Burial will take place in the Bark River Twp. Cemetery.
"It's not what you take with you, it's what you leave behind". It's no wonder this remained Gregg's favorite quote. He has not only left his mark on his family, but community as well.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family and a memorial will be established at a later date.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Johnson family.