Michael Lloyd Johnson “Mike”, 74, passed on January 23rd, 2023. Mike was born September 6, 1948, in Kearney, NE to John and Cleo (Huffman) Johnson and was soon joined by a brother, Don Johnson. While Mike was a toddler, his dad, John Johnson, drowned in a boating accident on Plum Creek Lake in Nebraska. Cleo moved the boys back to the homestead north of Hulett, WY known as “The Old Johnson Place.”
Cleo married Leonard Stoddard, and Mike was soon granted another brother, Steve, and a sister, Cindy. On the ranch, hard work and discipline were learned incredibly early, and these traits never faded. Anything worth doing was worth doing right the first time and everyone contributed to support the family.
Mike attended kindergarten in Scottsbluff, NE and otherwise attended various schools in the local area and for many years this required walking a mile each way, no matter the weather. Mike graduated high school in Hulett, WY and attended college in Casper, Wyoming. While in the Casper area, Mike operated heavy equipment at a uranium mine and later worked for the Wyoming Highway Department in the Hulett, area.
In 1974, Mike became a proud member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. In those years, while attending the law enforcement academy, Mike and his classmates slept in sheep sheds at the fairgrounds where having snow on his blanket was not unusual.
Mike married Linda Hoffman in 1975 and the couple settled in Gillette, WY where Mike continued his work with the Highway Patrol. Daughter, Jodi, was born to the union in 1977 and son, Jay, in 1981.
Mike married Sherry Walker in 1983 and the couple moved to Laramie, WY to accommodate a promotion to Sergeant with the Highway Patrol. Mike was promoted to lieutenant in 1999 and led the State Trooper division based in Laramie, until he retired in 2004 with thirty proud years of service.
In 2004, Mike started a company where he specialized in various home construction projects. Mike quickly became known for exceptional workmanship and his word was his bond. Mike’s loyalty and eagerness to help resulted in many remarkable friendships and many believed there was nothing he could not fix.
Mike enjoyed chairing Saturday “bored” meetings consisting of local friends and coffee where many world problems neared solving. For many years, Mike also organized the Sunday morning breakfast gatherings consisting of large groups of friends.
Mike remained actively involved in his community through various organizations to include the Elks, Moose, Masons, Shriners, Knights of Pythias and York Rite Bodies.
Mike’s meticulous attention to detail made him a very talented woodworker and his hand-crafted projects touched the lives of many. Mike thought the world of all his grandchildren and loved watching them grow. Naturally, as a State Trooper, Mike enjoyed the open road and loved cross country trips with his pickup and camper. Mike enjoyed visiting historical sites along the way but, as a native to ranch life, mostly enjoyed the open road and looking at new country.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sherry, daughter Jodi (Dave) Johnson-Smith, grandson Devin and granddaughter Jayden, son Jay (Jami) Johnson, granddaughters Adelyn and Linley, brother Steve (Julie) Stoddard and sister Cindy Bauman and many nieces and nephews.
Mike was proceeded in death by his grandparents, parents, uncle and brother (Don).
At Mike’s request, a family graveside service will be held in Gillette, WY upon nice weather in spring 2023.
Memorial donations may be made in Michael’s name to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children,
Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know why I remembered Mike's name after all these years. Have thought of you often. I am now living at Lake Benton, MN. Just ran across a picture of you........made me smile....Kathy Legried DeBoer
Praying for peace and comfort for family and friends. And always remember these words of wisdom from Mike: If you are not early, you are late. Gulla
Sherry I am so sorry for your loss!
Will miss seeing Mike at the UW Cowgirls basketball games. RIP Mike! Cliff
What more can you say about him. I enjoyed him so much. I am so very glad in a way that his passing was very peaceful and I am so privileged to have him as a patient and was able to help him through his last stages. My sincere condolences.
I never worked with Mike but I enjoyed the opportunities to talk with him about his experiences when he worked for the Patrol
Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike worked hard, and played well. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jay/Jami, so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories that you have of your dad and father-in-law. Our thoughts and prayers, Uncle Dave and Cheryl
Mike & I were part of the famous "Group of Ten". We all joined Masons at the same time. Mark Maxfield of UW Police was also in that group. I'll miss you brother! John Bard
It was an honor to work along side Mike . Our agencies often collaborated inAlbany County. Always a comfort when you heard his call sign on the air. RIP Mike. Scott Cotton.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you all.
Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed running into the two of you either at the Elks or with the breakfast group at the VFW. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss, even tho I live in Michigan, i thank you for his decation n service..
I enjoyed working with you while stationed in Laramie. Rest well brother. 🙏
Sorry for your loss, a good man will be missed.
Sorry for your loss
Sherry, I'm so sorry to hear about Mike. I always enjoyed visiting with him when he came to the office to see Jeremy. His stories always made me laugh.