Dora F. Johnson

Escanaba, MI
Dora F. Johnson (May 18, 1921 — January 18, 2016)

This is not a typical obituary because dry facts won’t describe the essence of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. This amazing grand lady will live in our hearts forever.

Dora was a hoot. She was the glue in our eclectic family. She cared about every detail of our lives. She gave her opinion and sometimes it was shared by merely the quirk of her eyebrow. She was our moral compass but mostly she just loved us!

Her idea of a great day was spent going to garage sales, watching the Packers win and creating handmade greeting cards which showcased her wit and artistry.

When her grandchildren were young she delighted in playing with them, often inventing games that were age appropriate to each child. She taught them to play “Pig,” a card game geared to young children. She seldom forgot a family birthday even coming into her 95th year.

Like so many mothers she equated food with love and she served those in equal portions. She was famous for her raised donuts, often made for a birthday celebration. A grandson-in-law holds the record for donuts eaten: 17 at one time. Dora loved it!

She was a standout student who graduated from Rock High School at age 16. She was offered a full college scholarship, rare in 1938, but put family first and went to work at Lammi’s Hotel in Escanaba to help her widowed mother support her five younger siblings.

She married her love, George V. Johnson, in 1940 and they lived and raised their family in Watson for 50 years. In retirement they moved to Escanaba.

For many years, she and George enjoyed spending a few winter months in Florida, first in their Winnebago and later a permanent cottage. George preceded her in death in 1999.

Dora personified the Finnish virtue, “sisu.” Her frugal nature helped the family survive in lean financial times. She was proud of her position as Wells Township Clerk. Among other endeavors, Dora owned and operated Johnson’s Grocery and was a working partner in Johnson’s Sawmill. As a young wife, she managed the logging operation when George was drafted in WWII.

Surviving Dora are her daughter, Janice (Tom) Korntved, Menominee. Grandchildren: Corinne (Bill) Cramer, Wilson, Shelley (Scott) Korntved-Lock, Cedaredge, Co., Joelle (Bill) Schram, Rapid River, Chris Johnson, East Pointe, Mi., Kristina (Michael) Korntved Eland, Wallace, Jon-Thomas (Allison) Korntved, Appleton, Wi., and Grandson-in-law, Joe Labadie, Escanaba. Great-grandchildren: Tony (Clare) Labadie, Escanaba, Marley (Josh) Stewart, Menominee, Cole Korntved, Marinette, Wi., Addie (Scott) Jasmund, Escanaba, Teresa Labadie, Escanaba, Teddy Schram, Rapid River and Sawyer Eland, Wallace. Great-great grandson: Finn Thomas LaFortune-Korntved, Menominee, an unexpected blessing who added sparkle to her later life. Sister: Viola (Arvid) Rasanen, Negaunee and several special nieces and nephews.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Kalle and Lempi (Kainulainen) Marttila, husband, George, son, Jerome, and her step-son, Ron, and three brothers and three sisters.

Dora Florence Marttila Johnson was born in a two room log house with two loving parents and she died in her own home surrounded by many of the family who loved her. Dora was born at home and died at home.

As per Dora’s wishes, no funeral will be held. Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family.