Mike Johnson was born on 5 January 1950 in Alamosa, Colorado to Jerome R. and Mary Leone Johnson and passed away peacefully in the early morning of 2 September 2026 in Taylorsville, Utah.

During his childhood, his family lived in San Manuel, Arizona where his father worked at the copper smelter. They moved back to Sanford when he was in his teenage years.

After graduating from Sanford High School in 1968, he and a couple of friends enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. He received his special training with the Corps of Engineers as a heavy equipment repairman. He loved the country he served and was always patriotic throughout his life.

Soon after returning home from Vietnam, he went out on a first date with the sister of a good friend who had also served in Vietnam. From that first date with Natalie, Mike was smitten. They talked and laughed and had so much fun together driving in the mountains, going to the movies, and eating out at restaurants. They just loved spending time together. They were married and sealed in the Manti Utah Temple on 6 October 1972. Over the next several years, six children were born into their family. His wife and kids were always his number one priority. If they were doing any activity, he was there to support them and cheer them on. Mike and Natalie were the best of friends in every way throughout their entire life and enjoyed a very happy marriage together.

While most of his career was spent as a heavy equipment mechanic, he could build or fix anything. Sometimes as a hobby, and sometimes as a second job, Mike operated Crooked Pole Boot Repair. He resoled boots, polished shoes, fixed purses, and rebuilt saddles. It was through his boot repair business that he met many friends from across the San Luis Valley.

Mike loved spending time with his family. He knew how to connect with each one uniquely in ways that were so special. Whether it was just a note, or a flower, or going to get a “sodee” he took the time to be together with each one individually.

He was a gentle giant of a man. He never knew a stranger and could talk to anyone, old or young. He was often one of the first people to be at an event because being early was being on time, but then he was also often one of the last to leave because he helped to clean up or to talk to someone who needed a listening ear. He was a great listener and had wise counsel to give.. Whenever you asked him how he was, he would always say “great!” or “Just right!” He tried to be positive and cheerful. You felt better after any conversation with him.

He served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many different capacities. He served because he loved his Savior. He felt his Savior’s love and wanted others to feel that same love. He always sought out and served the one in simple and quiet ways. Mike and Natalie served 4 full-time missions together at Martin’s Cove in Wyoming, the Nauvoo Temple in Illinois, at Cove Fort in central Utah, and at FamilySearch in Salt Lake City. He loved his missions because he loved his sweet companion and getting to know and serve people in many ways. They made wonderful friends through their missionary service.

He had his first heart attack in 2000 and for the next 26 years, endured quadruple bypass surgery and eleven procedures to place stents in his heart. His heart was probably functioning at about 40% during those years. What was physically affected by heart disease, was softened and enhanced with love. He reflected the love of Jesus Christ in all he did.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Mary Leone Johnson, and brothers Kent and Greg. Mike is survived by his eternal sweetheart Natalie, Clint (Megan), Cary, Steven (Candace), Amy Ayala (David), Kjersten (Jessica), Lori Farr (Jordan), 20 grandchildren, one great grandchild, his brother Scott, and his sister Annette. He will be missed by all who knew him. We all look forward to the day of being reunited with him.

A visitation will be held on Friday 11 September 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Sanford Church in the Relief Society Room and Saturday, 12 September 2026 from 10:00-10:45 AM. Funeral Services will be held in the Sanford Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 11:00 AM on Saturday, 12 September 2026. He will be buried in the Sanford Cemetery following the funeral. Here is a virtual link for the funeral service: https://zoom.us/j/96632086814