Kenneth Lawrence Johnson

Kenneth Lawrence Johnson

Kenneth Lawrence Johnson, 87, peacefully passed away at home May 10, 2023. He was born to Harold Gustaf Johnson and Lydia Wilhelmina (Benson) Johnson March 24, 1936 in Battle Creek, MI, the youngest of three children. Ken graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School in 1954, received a BS degree in mechanical engineering from MSU in 1959, and a MS degree in mechanical engineering from U of M in 1965.

Ken married the love of his life Elizabeth “Jane” Schantz September 24, 1955 and together raised their three children, Duane (Loraine) Johnson, Susan (Steven) Prill, and David (Meg) Johnson. He had nine grandchildren, Julie (Jeremy) Fry, Jessica (James) Burke, Jennifer Johnson, Jamie (Brian) Conz, Jacqueline (Collin) Hartman, Trevor (Emily) Prill, Sarah (Michael) Lipphardt, Victoria and Lillian Johnson and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both parents, brother, Devere Johnson, and sister, Margaret (Johnson) Reed of Battle Creek, MI.

Ken was employed for 31 years with the Ford Motor Company in the research labs as a mechanical engineer working to evaluate applications of new concepts in transmissions, engine design, and fundamental properties of friction materials, retiring in 1990.

Ken had a rich and full life and did more things than he ever thought possible. He enjoyed traveling and in the earlier years traveled extensively with his family to all U.S. states and seven provinces of Canada, as well as central Europe. He got interested in family genealogy and traced his heritage back to 1650 Sweden and then traveled with Jane to Scandinavia, meeting several new relatives. He also enjoyed church mission trips in the States and the rainforest of Venezuela. Ken believed traveling and talking with local people was a good way to get an understanding of a given area. He worked 25 years with Boy Scouts, seeing his two sons earn the rank of Eagle and had time to enjoy trout fishing and hunting along the way. Ken discovered cruise ships mid-life and thought that it was a wonderful way to see different areas of the world and get pampered while traveling.

A Visitation will be held at the R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd, Livonia, Friday, May 12, 2023 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral Service at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 30900 Six Mile, Livonia, Saturday, May 13, 2023. Instate 9:00 AM until time of service at 10:00 AM. Burial will at the Battle Creek Memorial Park .

Please sign Kenneth's guestbook.