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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Norman Curtis Johnson, born on June 9, 1940, in Iron Mountain, passed away on Sept. 3, 2026, in Kingsford, surrounded by the community and landscape he loved.
He was united in marriage to Sonja (Thorsen) on Aug. 17, 1963, at Immanuel Baptist Church. They shared 56 years of marriage before Sonja preceded him in death on Aug. 22, 2019.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Frances (Engstrom) Johnson; his brother, Sidney Johnson and Sidney's wife, Gloria; his sister, Lorraine Erickson and her husband, Jim; his brother‑in‑law, Frank Oczus, the husband of his sister, Ruth Ann; his granddaughter, Bethany Joy Edlund; two nieces, Jane Schleip and Kara Anderson; and his in‑laws, Ralph and Sigrid Thorsen.
He is survived by his children: Dr. Eric Johnson (Dr. Laura Holcomb) of Oakland, Maine; Aaron (Cari) Johnson of Ironton, Minn.; and Sonya (Jon) Edlund of Norway. Norman also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Cody (Wendy) Johnson, Michaella Johnson, Wulf Johnson, Sienna‑Rae Johnson, Jonathan (Lauren) Edlund, Andrew (Ibiye) Edlund, and Zachary (Lisa) Edlund; great‑grandchildren Harmony and Angel Sanchez, Ryder Edlund, Eliana and Enzo Edlund, and Henry and Freya Edlund; his sister, Ruth Ann Ozcus of Stephenson; and many nieces and nephews.
Norman was a natural and gifted teacher. He held a master's degree in chemistry education, a reflection of his deep love for learning and his commitment to helping students understand the world around them. He shared that gift generously through 33 years of teaching high school chemistry and physical science in Iron Mountain, where countless students remember his calm, thorough, and steady way of explaining even the most challenging concepts.
Beyond the classroom, "Mr. J" poured himself into the school community. He assisted in coaching the wrestling team, took tickets at countless sporting events, and provided crowd control at many school activities. The students loved seeing Mr. J at the sporting events, because in their words, "he was so cool!"
His love for teaching extended far beyond the school. At Immanuel Baptist Church in Kingsford, Norman taught adult and boys' Sunday School classes and served faithfully in Brigade and Awana Bible Clubs. He also faithfully served as an Elder at Immanuel Baptist/Redemption Hill Church for many, many years, offering wisdom, steadiness, and a gentle spiritual presence that shaped the lives of those he served.
He was a deeply effective father and teacher at home, guiding with patience, gentleness, and a unique calming presence that shaped his family profoundly.
Norman's influence reached into the community as well. At Lake Ellen Bible Camp, he taught archery and rifle to young boys, blending skill, safety, and encouragement in a way that made every lesson memorable.
If asked, Norman would say his favorite things were hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, canoeing, and sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee, watching the deer and birds move quietly through the yard. He loved keeping honeybees with his son, Aaron, tending the hives together and sharing the simple joy of working side‑by‑side. In his retirement, he became a master woodworker, creating many family heirlooms that are cherished. He also enjoyed jogging and gardening, finding joy in simple, steady rhythms and the satisfaction of working with his hands. Yet above all these pleasures, the most important thing in his life was his faith in the Lord, and following that, his precious family, whom he loved with devotion and steadiness.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Redemption Hill Church in Kingsford. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with a luncheon afterward at the church. Pastor Alex Tunnicliff will officiate. Burial will take place at Quinnesec Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Norman Curtis Johnson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.