Roger Vernon Johnson's Obituary
Stanwood-Roger V. Johnson, 70, of Stanwood, Michigan passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at home with his family by his side after a short four month battle with cancer. Roger was born April 13, 1943 in Spring Valley, Illinois to Vernon E. and Arlene M. (Wabel) Johnson. He graduated from Shabbona High School in Shabbona, IL. Roger's career started as an automotive body and refinish technician. After early retirement he was the owner/operator of Johnson's Kennels in Stanwood where he bred, raised, and trained upland bird dogs. He was a member of the National Bird Dog Challenge Association (NBDCA) and the United Field Trialers Association (UFTA) where he competed in upland bird dog hunting competitions, ultimately achieving championships in amateur, open and double divisions. He also won the 2010 UFTA National Open Pointing Dog Championship with Johnson's Kid Pepper. Roger married Paula Schmidt in 1968. They enjoyed camping, traveling, hunting, fishing, off-road motorcycling, and canoeing. He is survived by his wife Paula, daughters Teri (Terry) Zinke, Chris (Jim) Lamkin, son Jeff (Candace) Johnson, sister Karen (Tom) Plouf, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roger is preceded in death by his parents. At his request no services are scheduled at this time. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Final resting place will be Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Compton, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Roger's memory to Spectrum Health Hospice, 4500 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 or a hospice of your choice.
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