Michael Joseph Johnson

Michael Joseph Johnson obituary, Myrtle Beach, SC

Michael Joseph Johnson

Michael Johnson Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory on Feb. 19, 2025.
Michael "Mike" Joseph Johnson
02/21/1945 – 02/14/2025
Born in: Chicago, IL
Resided in: North Myrtle Beach, SC
Mike Johnson passed away on February 14, 2025 at Grand Strand Medical Center.
He was the third of six siblings and was welcomed into heaven by his stepson Jeffrey (Amy), his mother Mary Frances, father John Mason, his sister Diane Over, and brothers James (Kim) and Timothy along with in-laws Margarett Ella and George Frank Kube.
Mike grew up on the Southside of Chicago, among many cousins and close friends. As a stand-out football player at Leo Catholic High School (L-Guard) making All City and All Catholic League, Mike went on to play football for two years at the University of Utah. He completed his degree at The American University, with a degree in Administration of Justice.
He entered the Army in 1967 and was stationed at Ft. Myer in Arlington, VA where he served in the "Old Guard" and participated in many events, including Bobby Kennedy's funeral service. One fateful evening he went to the NCO club and worked up the courage to ask a young woman to dance. He described her as the spitting image of Kim Novak. That woman, Loretta Kube, accepted the invitation and later his proposal, marrying July 11, 1969. Following the Army, Mike completed training at the Washington DC Police Academy, becoming an MPDC Police Officer. He and Loretta welcomed a daughter, Christine (Keady) in 1972.
Mike's career with the MPDC was acknowledged with multiple commendations and letters of appreciation from Congressional Committee members for his expert testimony on Jury Tampering, Pope John Paul II for providing security during his Oct. 1979 visit, and community impact awards. Mike rose to the rank of Captain and retired in 1993.
Mike and Loretta traveled across the country and to several countries due to Loretta's career with the Defense Information System Agency (DISA). They visited Hawaii, Italy, Ireland, and Germany, and traveled to see family in IL, UT, NV, FL, and VA as often as they were physically able.
After retirement, Mike worked for Kemper Insurance as an Insurance Fraud Investigator. Mike and Loretta resided in Vienna, VA and had a second home in Myrtle Beach, SC because of Mike's love for the game of golf. They moved to SC fulltime in 2007 and became parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. As they advanced in age, they attended the online services every Sunday. Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Loretta, daughter, Christine (Brian) Keady, and grandchildren Michelle, Michael, and Megan, brothers John P. "Pat" (Nancy) and Robert, and many nieces and nephews throughout the country.
Things he loved: his family, good Chicago "thin-crust" pizza, golf, and Miller Light
He is remembered and greatly missed.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Our Lady Star of The Sea Catholic Church.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Michael Joseph Johnson, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Michael Johnson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Patrick

February 27, 2025

Uncle Mike is my first memory of what an "Uncle" should be. I was lucky to be able to see him often when we lived in Virginia while I was growing up. Whether it was blowing off fireworks or eating the spider that came down from the ceiling while we sat around the table one night, I was in awe of him and I loved him not just because he was the "fun uncle" but because he always made you feel important. He made it feel like it was just the two of you enjoying a moment even if there were a hundred other people in the room. He was deeply thoughtful and he listened. Throughout my life he kept listening and he gave the most heartfelt and considerate advice. He could be hilarious and fun and at the same time, caring and so warm.
I have so many memories throughout my life of times spent with him, from when I was little and then later with my own kids who adored him as much as I did. The memories are so clear because he connected so deeply with you when you were together. Whether it was the time I was around 7 years old and he made hotdogs in the toaster oven and we went for a ride on his motorcycle to staying up late on the back porch in Myrtle Beach drinking Miller Lites and sharing funny police stories, I LOVED every minute spent with him. Will miss you profoundly Uncle Mike.
Aunt Loretta and Christine, thinking and praying for you both every day.
Love, Patrick

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory

910 67th Ave North P.O. Box 7506, Corner of 67th Ave. And Bypass 17, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Make a Donation
in Michael Johnson's name

How to support Michael's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Michael Johnson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?