Joseph C. "Joe" Johnson

Joseph C. "Joe" Johnson, age 76, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Aurora Hospital in Green Bay.
Joe was born on October 5, 1949, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Alice (Liljestrom) and Leonard Johnson. He was the youngest of four brothers-Dave, Danny, and Jimmy. Joe had many early mentors that helped shape a lifelong love of athletics, discipline, and perseverance.
Joe graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1968. He went on to attend Northern Michigan University on scholarships for both ski jumping and gymnastics, excelling as a gifted and dedicated athlete. Wanting to share his passion for movement and sport with younger generations, Joe pursued a career in education.
In 1972, Joe began teaching physical education at Menominee High School, where he also served as head gymnastics coach and later as Athletic Supervisor. During his decades-long career, he became deeply respected not only for his athletic knowledge and leadership, but for the kindness, positivity, and encouragement he showed to every student and colleague. Joe truly embodied what he taught-he never spoke negatively, never limited others, and consistently pushed himself and those around him to be their best, both athletically and personally.
Joe retired from Menominee High School in 2007, but retirement did not slow him down. He continued to own and operate Grime Fighters Steam Cleaners, cleaning restaurant hood systems, while continuing to live an active, purposeful life.
An extraordinary endurance athlete, Joe's accomplishments were vast. He was an international-caliber canoeist and elite ultramarathon runner who competed at the highest levels. In canoe racing, he achieved national and international success, including two gold medals in The World Masters Games in Melbourne Australia. He also earned a second-place overall finish and first in his age group at the Nike World Masters Canoeing Championships in Portland, Oregon. He won the 1999 National Canoe Championship (Mixed Masters Division), the 2000 C-1 National Championship, and competed as part of a winning team in the 42-mile International Outrigger Championships from Molokai to Oahu. He had many fond memories of representing the United States at the international dragon boat races in Hong Kong and Thailand. In 2006, he raced alongside his wife, Liz, at the USCA Canoe Nationals, where they earned second place in the Marathon Mixed Masters Division-one of his proudest moments.
As a runner, Joe completed hundreds of marathons, more than 60 ultramarathons, and ten 100-mile races, including the prestigious Western States 100. He ran at least 2,000 miles every year, exceeded 4,000 miles in a single year, and remarkably did not miss a day of running for 21 consecutive years.
Joe was also an accomplished cross country skate skier. He competed in many American Birkebeiner Races. Furthermore, was very active in the Marinette Area Mountain Bike Association (MAMBA).
Joe was also a nationally competitive gymnast and an exceptional coach. He led the Menominee High School girls' gymnastics team to eight Upper Peninsula championships, including four undefeated seasons, and was named Outstanding Coach of the Year by the National Federation of High School Gymnastics Coaches. He was inducted into the Grandma's Marathon Hall of Fame and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Menominee and Ironwood High School Athletic Hall of Fames.
Despite his many accomplishments, Joe was most proud of his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Liz, of 39 years, and a loving father to his four daughters, Candace, Madelen, Alison, and Lilly. He trained alongside his wife and daughters, sharing his love of running, canoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking and teaching them lifelong lessons through shared miles, conversations, and joy.
Joe never told anyone they couldn't do something. He made everyone feel capable, confident, and valued. He was always ready to join a game in the street, run alongside his family, or laugh with neighborhood kids. He loved animals deeply-specifically running with the family dogs. He very much enjoyed drinking coffee and having IPA beers with his friends and family, especially his best friend, Steve Goddard. Joe lived with a calm, easygoing spirit. He never raised his voice and never met the world with anger, only patience and kindness.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Leonard Johnson, and his brothers Danny and Jimmy.
He is survived by his wife, Liz, his four daughters, Candy (Adam) Tuohimaa, Madelen (Cory) Jorgensen, Alison (Dylan) Caikowski, and Lilly (Alex) Cormia. He is also survived by his brother Dave, and five Grandchildren; Wyatt, Dayne, Jett, Helene, and Roy, as well as many dear friends whom he considered family.
Joe's legacy is defined not only by extraordinary athletic achievements, but by the countless lives he inspired through his humility, generosity, encouragement, and unwavering positivity. His favorite places were the Peshtigo River and trails-where he found both challenge and peace-and where his spirit will forever run free.
Joe's extraordinary life will be celebrated at Little River Country Club, N2235 Shore Dr. in Marinette on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. and continue until the time of a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. led by Pastor Tim Gunderson. Joe's celebration of life will resume following the service. Wearing your favorite race or athletic event sport shirt is encouraged.