Janet Marie Johnson
Janet was born and raised in Ferndale, Michigan, and a 1965 graduate of Ferndale High School. Within a few weeks of graduation she had her first full-time employment with Triangle Furniture. While working there she attended night school to learn key punching, and shortly thereafter was employed as a key punch operator at Kux Manufacturing in Detroit. She spent the next 25 years at Kux, being quickly promoted to the position of Purchasing Manager. Janet’s work ethic was basic and simple: be on time and do your very best. She would rather be ten minutes early than so much as a minute late, and by giving her very best effort to the job she found going to work a happy and fulfilling experience.
Janet moved to Laurium after retiring from Kux, but that did not mean she retired from working. Within two weeks of getting settled in she was employed by Shopko as they set up the new Calumet store. As long as her health permitted, Janet was employed full time. Over the years she could be seen energetically and happily working not only at Shopko but at Burger King, the Holiday gas station, Kauppi’s station, Bruno’s Motors, and Fraki Markets. Finally she retired permanently from the work force as health issues began to take their toll.
Although she was now for the most part homebound, she did not just sit around doing nothing. Crossword puzzles — and the harder the better! — were a main staple of her time, as were logic problems, at which she excelled. Many happy hours were spent playing with her two cats, Autumn and Ruuska, whom she pampered and loved.
Janet was never one to put on airs. She was always herself, never feeling any reason to apologize for the way she lived. She was happy living just the way she wanted, and if someone didn’t like it, that never bothered her. She was satisfied being herself, never losing sleep over what someone else might think. Janet also possessed one of the rarest of gifts: she could laugh at herself. No embarrassing moment could dampen her spirit and leave her slinking away muttering excuses. No, she would much rather look at the humorous side and have a good laugh at herself, all the while letting others enjoy a goodnatured laugh with her.
Janet was blessed with kind neighbors and friends who were always there to help her: Steve and Michelle O’Dell, Dave and Diane Kesanen, Mark Spreitzer, and her loving and faithful caregiver, Ashley Hine. She will be missed by all, but especially by her two sisters, Geraldine Schaufelberger of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Carol Morgan of Ontonagon.
Happy memories will live forever. We love you, Janet.