Obituary of Karl F. Johnson

Karl F. "Karlos" Johnson, 56, of Niles, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 8, 1954 in Dowagiac, Michigan to Floyd and Mary Lou (Kelver) Johnson. Karl was a 1972 graduate of Niles High School. On August 1, 1981 Karl married Pamela Wall at a ceremony in South Bend, Indiana. Karl was a retired truck driver for Hover trucking. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping and being outdoors. Karl was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan. He was a self taught guitarist. In 1986 Karl underwent a heart transplant in Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was the forty-ninth recipient and one of the longest survivors. The family attributes his longevity to the excellent care he received from medical professionals at Methodist Hospital as well as his strength and courage to continue to live life to it's fullest. He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Lou Johnson and a brother Kenneth Johnson. Karl is survived by his wife Pamela Johnson of Niles, three daughters; Jennifer Johnson of Lewiston, Michigan, Fehren Johnson and Tai Johnson both of Niles, a granddaughter Paige Middleton of Lewiston, Michigan, his father Floyd L Johnson of Niles, two brothers Keith (Ava) Johnson of St. Petersburg, Florida and Kerry (Sue) Johnson of Niles and a sister Linda (Mike) FunNell of Niles. A celebration of life service will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made in Karl's memory to Gift of Life of Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive,Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108. .