Alvin Johnson

Each generation has unique milestones and events that have helped shape future generations. The 1920s were without exception. In 1927, the advent of flight took a giant step when Charles Lindbergh made the first trans-Atlantic solo flight from New York to Paris. The entertainment world entered a new phase with the first “talkie” motion picture starring Al Jolson. On February 22, 1927, in Holland, Michigan, Alvin Eugene Johnson was born, an event that would shape the future generation of his family.

Alvin Johnson loved to experience and appreciate the world around him. Material wealth was not important to Al. Putting his family first and doing the best job he could with whatever task was at hand was important to him. Al did many things in his life, all of which shaped him into the man his family and friends loved dearly.

Young Al grew up on the south side of Holland, in the Montello Park area. He was the third of eleven children born to Albert E. and Clara M. Johnson. However, because his two older siblings died at a young age, Al became the oldest in the sibling lineup. To provide for their very large family, Al’s father worked in Maintenance at Holland Hospital, while his mother was undoubtedly very busy at home raising eleven children. The Johnson family was faithful members of Bethel Reformed Church, and this strong Christian upbringing would always be an important part of Al’s life.

Al received his education in the Holland Public Schools, and liked to spend his leisure time hanging out with his friends at the North Shore Roller Rink off of Ottawa Beech Road. It was here that he met the love of his life, Jean Ver Hey; they were both sixteen. The two dated for a couple of years before being happily married in 1945. Shortly after, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II. Once his tour of duty was complete, Al returned home to his bride and they continued to live in Army housing in a duplex on 8th Street. He and Jean would eventually move this entire house to the north side of Holland, and make it their family home. Then, in 1952, Al had his uncle build them a house at 364 4th Avenue, just a block away from the duplex they had moved. It was here in this new home that Al and Jean raised their five wonderful children: Dawn Marie (1948), Pamela (1953), Susanne (1957), Alvin (1960) and Cindi (1963).

Besides being a devoted husband and father, Al worked for a few different companies to provide for his family. He first worked in the factory at Klassen and Balls in downtown Holland for a while before taking a job at Bohn Aluminum & Brass. Al then worked as a custodian and drove a bus for West Ottawa Public Schools until the late 1960s, when he became employed by Parke Davis. He remained here until retiring in 1989. One of Al’s favorite hobbies outside of work was repairing TV and radios, which he did for several years. Because of this passion, his family was one of the first on the block to have a color TV.

A true family man, Al’s happiest moments always involved the time that he spent with his wife, kids and family. Sunday was church with his extended family. Afterwards, they all went to his parents’ house for Sunday dinner, for his mother’s fabulous beef roast. One of Al’s passions was to travel Al absolutely loved to travel. Every year he would save up all of his vacation time and extra days so the family could hit the road for a whole month. Because they drove to all their destinations, Al bought the first station wagon that came out. Their adventures took them to every state in the U.S. as well as Canada and Mexico. Al’s wife Jean had many relatives in the military and they traveled around to visit them at the different bases too. After Al retired, he and Jean bought a place in sunny Englewood, Florida on the gulf coast, and enjoyed it there for many years.

Al wasn’t really one to be idle and always had something going on. For about the last 10 years, it wasn’t unusual to see Al out in his front yard daily, working on keeping it well manicured and clean. He was constantly moving leaf piles and picking up sticks, but they weren’t even close to being a menace like those darn squirrels were. Al was a former member of the Bethel Reformed Church for 72 years before it closed, and then he became a member of the Central Park Reformed Church.

All who knew and loved Al Johnson will treasure his memory.

Alvin Eugene Johnson, age 82, of Holland, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 20, 2010, at Providence Christian Nursing home in Zeeland. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dawn Marie Wilson, 2008. Al’s family includes his wife of 64 years, Jean Louise Johnson; children: Pamela and Bruce Simonson, Susanne Johnson, Alvin L. and Tina Johnson, Cindi Race; 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Michael Wilson; sisters and brothers: William and Beverly Johnson, Donna and Dick Perkins, Carol and Gene Berghorst, David and Lois Johnson; in-laws: Hazel Ver Hey, Irene Di Giglio, Louise Ver Hey, Robert and Nelva Ver Hey, Ken and Gloria Ver Hey, Jo Strabbing, Joyce and Roger De Waard; Jean Ver Hey, and Gloria Ver Hey; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 25, at Central Park Reformed Church with the Rev. David Landegent officiating. Burial will be at Rest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, at The Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund at Central Park Reformed Church or to Providence Christian Nursing Home in Zeeland. Please visit Al’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may sign Al’s online guest book or share a memory or photo with his family.