John Johnston, age 71, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Monica Johnston; brother, Tom Johnston; and in-laws, Joseph and Elizabeth Mead.
John is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Maureen Johnston; his children, Sean (Shannon) Johnston and Travis (Lindsey) Johnston; grandchildren, Kameron, Lenae, Makayla, Aila, Samuel, Keira, and Anna; great-grandchild, Iyla; bonus mom, Diane (Dick) Sidebotham; brother, Tim (Lori) Johnston; sister, Madelyn (Dan) Wolf; brothers-in-law, Joe (Chari) Mead, Pat (Julie) Mead, Matt (Julie) Mead, and Kevin Mead; sister-in-law, Sheila (Greg) Rogalski; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
A proud graduate of Catholic Central High School, Class of 1973, John built a long and dedicated career at Cordes Trucking before retiring.
Family was everything to John. He especially loved sleepovers with the grandkids — always making sure pancakes were on the menu the next morning. Saturday mornings were often spent cheering on his grandkids at their games, and he treasured weekends “up north” with the boys, hunting and playing euchre.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at St. Ladislaus Aid Society, 58 Lane Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
One Response
John was a great guy. I loved working with him at Cordes , and I learned a lot from him. John was a great man of God.
So sorry for your loss. Al Kooiker