Daniel Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Michael Kirby Johnson

September 3, 1959 – February 8, 2013

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater, MN for Michael Kirby Johnson, age 53 of Clearwater, MN who died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, February 8, 2013 at his home. Pastor Mark Coughlin of Immanuel Church in Forest Lake, MN will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 15, 2013 from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Daniel Funeral Home in Clearwater and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.

Michael was born on September 3, 1959 in Sandstone, MN the son of Dwayne O. and Ina E. (Abrahamsen) Johnson. He grew up in Askov, MN, where he attend and graduated from high school in 1977. On July 27, 1991 he was united in marriage to Cheryl R. Anderson at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, MN where they raised their two sons Gabe and Alex. They moved to Clearwater, MN in 2004. This has been his home since that time.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Michael is survived by his best friend and wife Cheryl of Clearwater, two sons, Gabriel (Abby) Barnett of Minneapolis, and Alexander (Krista) Barnett of Lino Lakes, MN, two grandchildren Ava Grace and Uriah Courage, six brothers and sisters, Jan Moffatt, Doug (Helen) Johnson, Timothy (Lori) Johnson, Scott (Debbie) Johnson, Lori Giampolo, and Julie Johnson, many loving nephews, nieces, in-laws, family and friends.

Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers.

 


Guestbook

Enter your email address and you will receive an email allowing you to complete signing the guestbook.

Anyone that knows Mike remembers his great sense of humor and his smile that always gave you the impression that he just got away with something and the joke was on you. One of the nicest individuals I have met during my life. I lost track of Mike after school and only found out from a mutual son that he had passed. I don’t know Cheryl and the rest of his family but I am sure you are all wonderful people if you were part of Kirby’s life and I would like to extend my sincere condolences to you all. Mike I am more than certain you will be missed by many.

It’s not fair and it is beyond sad that wehv lost such great man so early. Mike was a really nice man; always helping others. Thelst time I saw him he was taking his father in law to the hospital to visit someone in ICU. He was s kind to me as he found out I was ther visiting my Auntie who almost died. He will be missed terribly by my Family and I sincerely hope that Cheryl finds peace in th memories and the laughter that they shared for so many years.
Peace; Tamara Barnett

So many memories of Michael and can remember them like it was yesterday. Sorry I wasn’t there to say good-bye, but please know that I’ll Miss You and will never forget.

Sympathies to the family in this sudden and tragic loss. Mike was a good friend of our son’s and a neighbor growing up in Askov. May the family find solace in the good memories they have of Mike.

We are so sorry for your great loss. We enjoyed your warm hospitality in FL. We still miss you. I remember how Mike was such a handiman and could fix anything. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He willingly gave of himself, over and above any expectations, He gave all he had. We continue to pray for you, Gabe, Alex and their families.

cheryl and boys and the johnson families, i am very sorry for your loss , have not seen much of mike in recent years but have good memories of playing softball, horseshoes, lots of pool, (mike was the second best pool player I knew), we also went to pine tech and worked at formac, allways good times around mike.

At the time before we met the women we married, we were running buddies and more than willing to take away the dignity and money of the locals on the pool table. Drinking for free and making money at area bars became our hobby. I’m not sure I’ve met anyone that was capable of love to the extent Mikey was. Both of our parents adopted another son and were always quick to put down another plate at the dinner table when we showed up. We took ourselves off the dating market almost simultaneously and got married within four months of each other — to the delight on many fathers in Pine County. There are a handful of people you meet during the course of your life that are unforgettable just because of who they are. For me, Mikey was one of those people. My heart goes out to Cheryl, Gabe, Alex and the entire extended Johnson family. We lost a shining star much too soon. Gone, but never 4gotten, my bro-dif-mo.

At the time before we met the women we married, we were running buddies and more than willing to take away the dignity and money of the locals on the pool table. Drinking for free and making money at area bars became our hobby. I’m not sure I’ve met anyone that was capable of love to the extent Mikey was. Both of our parents adopted another son and were always quick to put down another plate at the dinner table when we showed up. We took ourselves off the dating market almost simultaneously and got married within four months of each other — to the delight on many fathers in Pine County. There are a handful of people you meet during the course of your life that are unforgettable just because of who they are. For me, Mikey was one of those people. My heart goes out to Cheryl, Gabe, Alex and the entire extended Johnson family. We lost a shining star much too soon. Gone, but never 4gotten, my bro-dif-mo.

Mike i will always love you &remember you for the great times we had together. Cheryl &Boys IAm so sorry for your loss. Mike was a great man and good friend. Iam sorry i can’t make the service but my prayers are with you. I will remember this man forever.. Mikey V (Mudd)

We were blessed to know Mike and fondly remember his BIG heart and easy smile. Our hearts go out to you, the boys, and the grandkids. YOu will be in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks to come. May the hope of Heaven give you reasons to smile in the midst of your sorrow. WE love you and send hugs and prayers to give you strength and wisdom!

I cannot begin to say how much Mike meant to me. He was a very caring man that will always have a special place in my heart. He saved my father’s life, helped make my wedding day light up with beautiful fireworks, I had no chance at beating him in cards and he always had a joke in his back pocket to make us laugh. Although my heart aches at the pain of those he left behind, those cherished memories will live and rejoice forever. Sending love to the heavens above <3 Love you Cheryl!!

It’s never easy for those left behind but when you loose someone so unexpectedly we all feel the shock. May it help to know how many people share your sorrow and stand with you in your time of need. In every memory love lives on – our prayers are with you!

Oh Cheryl, I am so sorry you have lost your best friend and soul mate! I can only imagine how your heart aches. Mike has always had such a “blythe spirit”, an infectious giggle, and up-beat personality. How lucky you have both been all these years to have been together! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl, I am so very sorry. May your family give you comfort. Love, Lizzie

Mike, I am very thankful for knowing your wonderful quick wit and awesome sense of humor. I always have appreciated your kindness and missed seeing you and Cheryl at our last class reunion. You will be missed.

Dear Cheryl, Gab and Alex,
I just want you to know how sad we were to hear of your loss. All our memories of him are full of fun and good times. I will always remember him coming early to church to help me when I ran AWANA and bringing me a coffee from SA. Also, all the fun we had together up at Skonewood camping. I wish I could put my arms around you and make all the pain go away. We will be praying for you as you travel through this journey that God’s presence will be felt and peace about where Mike is. I can see him now sharing a funny story with Jesus.
Love and prayers,
Christine, Rick and Yana

The news of Mike’s passing was shocking and heart breaking. We have known Mike and Cheryl and the boys for over 24 years. Alex and Garrett grew up together and Cheryl and Mike thought of Garrett as another son. The Johnsons always included our family in their family celebrations. Mike and I had a wonderful relationship. He was the best story and joke teller and I was a good listener. Mike always had a big smile and a firm handshake. My family and I are truly blessed to have known Mike.
Cheryl and family are in our prayers.

Cheryl, you and your family are in my prayers.

I would like to offer my sympathy to the family of Michael at this difficult time. May you be comforted by the promise of the resurrection and the end of sickness and death forever. God makes this wonderful promise to us at Revelation 21:4 where it states, “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” I hope these words are of some consolation.

Our deepest sympathy. There are no words to express how sorry we are to hear of Mike passing. Our prayers are with you at this time.

Our deepest sympathy to all of Mike’s family. Mike was such a quick witted guy, full of fun. He was so proud of his family. He made sure to say hi and introduce them when back for the Rutabaga Festival. It is such a shock to hear he is gone and our hearts hurt for all of us that knew and cared for him.

My deepest sympathy in your recent loss of a man that throughly loved life and his family. May God bless everyone with wonderful memories.

We are so so sorry to hear about Mike’s death. It’s been a long time since we have seen you guys but you still hold very special places in each of our hearts.. many laughs celebrating christmases at From the Heart. Praying for you guys to have peace as you go through these next days, weeks and months.

Hearing about Mike’s passing @ our worship service last Sunday was just heartbreaking. Our prayers have been for family ever since! Hold each other close!

Cheryl, Gabe and Alex. I am shocked and so sorry for your loss of a husband, best friend and father. It’s a great picture of Mike. The hair was shorter when I saw him last face to face but he always had that smile, a story to tell and a word of advice hidden in a story. He was a good man. God bless you guys as you mourn his loss…as we all mourn his loss.

Cheryl, Gabe and Alex. I am shocked and so sorry for your loss of a husband, best friend and father. It’s a great picture of Mike. The hair was shorter when I saw him last face to face but he always had that smile, a story to tell and a word of advice hidden in a story. He was a good man. God bless you guys as you mourn his loss…as we all mourn his loss.

I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

I am so sorry for your loss. It has been many years since I have seen Michael but I have great memories of family get togethers in Askov. With sympathy, Mary & family

So very sorry for your sudden loss. We remember the visits he used to make to our house. Always liked Mike. He was a very nice person and we share in your sorrow.

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a loving spirit. We are all better because we knew him. He brought joy with his smile and wonderful laugh! May God bless you with strength for your peace.

I only worked with mike for a very short time, but in that short time we became very good friends. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Our hearts are broken with the loss of Michael. Sincere condolences to the family. Dodie and Ian

Mike was the first person to say hello as I got out of the car the day I moved in across the street from the Johnson Family. We were hunting buddies, team mates, and very close for many years. He will be missed by anyone that knew him. Wonderful man in every respect.

Always a happy, energetic, and youthful spirit. I’ll always remember shootin hoops in our driveway and our many weekends playing softball with Julios Hellions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincere condolences to Mikes family. He sure was fun in school. Always laughing and making jokes. He will be missed.

Services

Schedule Details

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater, MN for Michael Kirby Johnson, age 53 of Clearwater, MN who died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, February 8, 2013 at his home. Pastor Mark Coughlin of Immanuel Church in Forest Lake, MN will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 15, 2013 from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Daniel Funeral Home in Clearwater and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.