WILLIAM “BILL” JOHNSON, 96 of Stephenson, MI passed away on Wednesday December 24, 2025 at Rennes Health & Rehab Center, East in Peshtigo. Bill was born on September 5, 1929 in Menominee to William and Bertha (Hanson) Johnson. He was a 1947 graduate of Stephenson High School. Bill proudly served his Country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his discharge from the Army, Bill pitched for the Chicago White Sox farm league team during the 1953 and 1954 seasons. On March 5, 1954, Bill married Clara Ezell in Jackson, TN. In 1954, Bill enrolled at Western Michigan University, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in 1958. Following graduation, Bill began a 31-year career with Stephenson Area Public Schools where he taught Government, History and Driver’s Education. He was also a beloved coach throughout his teaching years. Bill was a member of the Stephenson Fire Department for 46 years, served as director of Stephenson Non-Profit Housing, City of Stephenson Board of Review for 20 years and was a member of American Legion Post 43 and Mid-County VFW for over 50 years as well as being a lifetime member of the Daggett Moravian Church where he served as elder and trustee for over 30 years. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to camp. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. Most of all, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events is what Bill enjoyed watching the most.
Survivors include his daughter: Cindy (Matt) Bickel of Peshtigo; son: Michael Johnson of Stephenson; 5 grandchildren: Shannon Bickel, Brian (Autumn) Bickel, Shane (Ali) Johnson, Shelly Swanson and Michael Johnson; 14 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents: William & Bertha; wife: Clara; grandson: Shawn Johnson; sister: Jeannine Barrington; and brother: Loren Johnson.
Visitation will be held at Anderson Diehm Funeral Home on Monday December 29, 2025 from 2:00 pm until time of final call by Stephenson Fire Department at 5:45 pm with Military Honors conducted by American Legion Post 43 following the final call. A funeral service will follow Military Honors. Burial will be in Stephenson Township Cemetery in the spring.
