Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson, 53 year old resident of Onamia, MN passed away from pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia, MN. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, June 27, 2014 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia and 1 hour prior to Mass on Saturday. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia. Michael Gerard Johnson was born in Duluth MN August 29, 1960 to Ronald and Mary Lee Johnson. He grew up in the Duluth/Esko area, attending area schools until the 9th grade when he began attending Crosier Preparatory School in Onamia, MN, graduating in the class of 1978. While a student there he was on the wrestling team, ran track, and most importantly, played varsity baseball. He also took part in student government and was on the staff of the school newspaper. Much of Michael’s deep abiding faith in God and his love for all humankind can be traced to his time at Crosier. After high school Mike attended the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, majoring in Business and Journalism. Mike’s work life in many ways reflected his deep caring for others. Early on he found a satisfying career in Institutional Development, going from the Crosiers as their Development Director, to the Vinland Center, to St. Johns Prep in Collegeville, to North Memorial Medical Center, The Miles Reif Performing Arts Center and A Chance to Grow. His final position was with New Music Arts marketing local and regional performing artists around the region. In 1998 Michael married Kristin Kemnitz. Between them they brought 8 children to this second marriage for both. Nothing brought Mike more pleasure than being surrounded by his family, especially if he was in the kitchen preparing one of his famous family dinners. There was never too much food on the table for Mike, and he was always making sure that everyone had exactly what they wanted. One of his crowning cooking achievements came in 2009, when he and Kris prepared the grooms dinner for Kris’ son Matt’s wedding in NC. He called it their “Iron Chef” moment as they raced around the small church kitchen preparing prime rib, Virginia ham and all the trimmings for 40 people. Michael passed away from pancreatic cancer on June 24, 2014 at North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale MN at the age of 53. Michael is survived by his wife, Kris; children, Ryan, Crystal, Theresa, Shawn and Nathan Johnson; step-sons, Matthew (Mandy) Kemnitz, Erik Kemnitz and Andrew Kemnitz; as well as two grandsons, Hunter James Johnson and Maximus James Kemnitz; his sister, Michelle Schroeder and her children, Sara, Mark, Matt, Jason and Jessica; as well as his step-niece, Madeline and step-nephew, Braxton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Mary Lee Johnson.

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Michael Johnson

August 29, 1960 - June 24, 2014