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Lawrence Joseph Johnson

Lawrence Joseph Johnson

GARDEN — Lawrence (Larry) Johnson of Garden died on Wednesday, November 17, at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, where he had resided since August. Larry was born on April 16, 1933, in Chicago, Ill., the first child of Lawrence and Florence Johnson. He has one sister, Arlene (Havel) of Siletz, Ore.

Larry attended St. Priscilla Grade School and St. Joseph High School (Westmont, Ill.) Entering the Franciscans, he studied philosophy at Our Lady of Angels Seminary (Cleveland, Ohio) and theology at St. Joseph Seminary (Teutopolis, Ill.) He was ordained in 1960. Graduate studies took place at De Paul University (music), Institut Catholique in Paris (Sacramental Theology), Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. (Liturgical Studies). He also served as a faculty member in the Catholic Theological Union (Chicago) and The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.). In 1975 he married Marlene Winter, a native of Garden, in Wilmington, Del.

Lawrence spent a number of years as liturgy director for the Diocese of Wilmington, Del.; as the executive secretary of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, Washington, D.C.; and as general editor of Pastoral Press. He is the author/editor/translator of numerous books and monographs including, “Worship in the Early Church: An Anthology of Historical Sources” (4 volumes).

Since July 2002, Larry and his wife have resided on the northern shore of Lake Michigan. In addition to visiting three grandchildren, Larry spent much time playing piano, reading books on WWII, enjoying his men’s discussion group, sitting on the porch enjoying the natural beauty and continuing to contribute in various ways to his church community.

It’s been a remarkable and memorable journey and those of us who were close to him have been greatly enriched by his knowledge, reverence for his faith and willingness to share with others. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Larry is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter, Marisa (Keith) Ives, and three grandchildren, (Isabelle, Lillian and Joshua) of Clarksville, Md.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. John’s in Garden, Mich. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s at 12 p.m., with the Rev. Fr. Tim Ferguson officiating. Memorial contributions in Lawrence’s name may be made to the Pregnancy Services of Delta at 1801 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI, 49829. Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique and Garden is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be posted on their website at www.fausettfh.com.