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ESCANABA -- William Brent Johnson, age 79, of Escanaba, Michigan passed away at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans September 28, 2026, with his wife Amy and best friend Lyle Berro by his side.
Bill was born in Escanaba May 22, 1947, to William and Thelma Johnson and attended Escanaba Schools. He spent his childhood summers in Stonington on Deerfield Lane and Dutchman's Bay at the family cottage.
Bill graduated from Escanaba High School in 1965 and attended Bay College. Inspired by the patriotism of his two uncles Don and Kelly Johnson, he joined the ranks of military life by entering the Army Infantry. After advanced infantry training, he was deployed to Vietnam. He arrived April 2, 1967, and was assigned to the 1st Calvary Division.
On May 9, 1968, his 39th day in Vietnam, he was involved in one of the bloodiest battles in the history of Vietnam. He sustained severe wounds to his face and arm. He was medevacked to Japan for several surgeries and then to Walter Reed for reconstruction surgery.
He was honorably discharged August 14, 1969. While in the service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expert Rifle Marksman, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaigne Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, and Silver Star for Valor.
When Bill returned to Escanaba, he resumed his studies at Bay College. In 1969, he married Geraldine Prue. In 1974, they had one daughter, Marti Alan. They subsequently relocated to Marquette where he joined Anderson Tackman and Company. He later moved back to Escanaba and became the principal at Anderson Tackman and Company.
He married Amy Johnson in December 2001. He retired in 2002. Bill loved anything outdoors and had a passion for golf which he transferred to his daughter Paxton. His greatest reward in life was his two daughters Marti Alan and Paxton Grace.
Bill is survived by his wife Amy, daughters Marti (Andrew Gish) grandchildren Sage and Dylan Dimitrievich; Paxton Johnson (Nick Aird). Sister-in-laws Judy Johnson, Nancy Bannister (Don), Marilyn Booker, MaryPat Johnson, Chris Russell (Jerry), Barb Johnson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brother Kent Johnson and special great niece Kambria Grenfell.
A visitation will be held October 5, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba from 1 to 3:15 p.m. A veteran's service will be held at 3:15 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home conducted by the Delta County Veterans Council and the United States Army National Guard. A funeral service will be held for Bill at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba at 4:00 PM. A luncheon will follow the funeral service in the fellowship hall at Bethany Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Johnson family and online condolences may be shared with the family at andersonfuneralhomes.net
