Stevan L. Johnson, 55, of Williamsburg, died Fri, Nov 3, 2006, as a result of an auto accident.
Proud to be a native of Traverse City, Steve was born on May 29, 1951, in Traverse City, the son of June M. (Blixt) and Guy M Johnson. Growing up on the Old Mission Peninsula, Steve attended Traverse City Schools, and upon graduation from Central High School, he furthered his education at Central Michigan University, ultimately earning his Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Steve met Debra I Percha while attending CMU and they married on Dec 20, 1975, in Mt Pleasant. They moved to Traverse City where they have since lived and raised their family.
Steve loved teaching and loved his students. He was a positive role model and was dedicated to helping those with learning disabilities. In a teaching career which spanned 30 years. Steven invested himself in those he taught and worked with, gaining the love and respect of not only his students, but also of his teaching colleagues. Steve was currently teaching at Kalkaska Public Schools. During the 2005-2006 school year, he was honored by the community with a Lamplighter Award as an outstanding educator.
Steve had a tremendous love of the outdoors especially finding peace in spending time in the woods and on East Bay. The family home showcases Steve's meticulous lawn and garden. Steve was an avid cross country skier, racing in both the VASA and White Pine Stampede. He also loved running and mountain biking.
Steve taught his children from a young age, to respect the earth, nature and all its provisions. He was the biggest Detroit Lions fan, watching each game with football in hand. Most importantly, Steve was passionate about everything, always giving more than expected and insistent that things be done right the first time - a legacy he's passed on to his children. His "yes, you can do it" philosophy influenced everyone who knew him.
Surviving Steve are his wife, Deb;p his son, Andrew; daughter, Lyndsay and her fiance, Nicholas Batsakis; his parents, Guy and June Johnson of Traverse City; a sister, Phyllis (Brent) Cooley of Clarkston, and their daughters, Janae Cooley and Courtney (Ben) Morin; the extended Johnson and Percha families and many friends.
A service celebrating Steve's life took place Tue, Nov 7, at New Hope Community Church in Williamsburg with Timothy Moeggenberg, Certified Funeral Celebrant facilitating.
