Walter "Walt" Johnson, 68, of Merriweather, Mich., died Sunday, April 26, 2009, in Ironwood. He was born Sept. 30, 1940, in Ironwood Township, son of the late Clarence and Vendla (Riutta) Johnson. He attended grade school in Bergland, graduating from Bergland High School in 1958. Walt entered the U.S. Army on March 13, 1962, serving in Korea, and was honorably discharged as a private first class on Nov. 23, 1964. Following his discharge, he returned to Merriweather, and was employed at White Pine Copper Co. for many years. An accomplished musician, Walt played the piano, organ and accordian. He also made rugs and quilts. He possessed a wonderful sense of humor and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Bergland. On Aug. 7, 1965, he was married to the former Sharlette Minier in Wakefield. She preceded him in death on Sept. 5, 2003. Surviving are a son, Scott, Ontonagon; two daughters, Charlene Johnson (Madeline LaGrow), and Karla Johnson (Chris Norris), both of Ironwood; two grandchildren, Samantha Knapp, Ironwood, and Dawson Matusewic, Hurley, Wis.; many adopted children; four brothers, Edward (Mercedes), Jacksonville, Fla., Rudolph (Bonita), Bergland, Jack (Mona), Indian River, and John, Bergland; a sister, Marlene (Ronald) Zaleski, Bessemer; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and many close friends; and his companion to the end, his dog "Boots". Besides his parents and wife, Walt was preceded in death by brothers, Norman, Richard, Gordon and Kenneth; and a sister, Gladys Hamilton. At the family's request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. EDT, at Calvary Baptist Church in Bergland, with the Rev. William Abrams, pastor, officiating. Committal services and inurnment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Bergland, where full military rites will be accorded by the Ontonagon County Veterans Association and Bergland American Legion Post 562. Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall immediately upon return from the cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. EDT on Saturday. To view Walt's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood