Karl Johnson, 56 / May 8, 1954 — Jan. 14, 2011
Published 10:46 pm Monday, January 17, 2011
Karl F. “Karlos” Johnson, 56, of Niles, passed away Friday, Jan. 14, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind., surrounded by his family.
Karl Johnson, 56
He was born on May 8, 1954 in Dowagiac to Floyd and Mary Lou (Kelver) Johnson.
Karl was a 1972 graduate of Niles High School. On Aug. 1, 1981, Karl married Pamela Wall at a ceremony in South Bend, Ind.
Karl was a retired truck driver for Hover trucking. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping and being outdoors. Karl was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan. He was a self-taught guitarist. In 1986 Karl underwent a heart transplant in Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was the 49th recipient and one of the longest survivors. The family attributes his longevity to the excellent care he received from medical professionals at Methodist Hospital as well as his strength and courage to continue to live life to its fullest.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Johnson, and a brother, Kenneth Johnson.
Karl is survived by his wife, Pamela Johnson of Niles; three daughters, Jennifer Johnson of Lewiston, Mich., Fehren Johnson and Tai Johnson, both of Niles; a granddaughter, Paige Middleton of Lewiston; his father, Floyd L. Johnson of Niles; two brothers, Keith (Ava) Johnson of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Kerry (Sue) Johnson of Niles; and a sister, Linda (Mike) FunNell of Niles.
A celebration of life service will be held at Brown Funeral Home Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011 at 3 p.m. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior.
Memorial contributions may be made in Karl’s memory to Gift of Life of Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.
