Joel D. Johnson

Joel D. Johnson, 67, of the Town of Oppenheim, Dolgeville, New York, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, May 19, 2020 at Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Little Falls, New York after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on December 7, 1952 in Little Falls, New York and is the son of Helen (Montana) Johnson and the late, Donald H. Johnson. Joel was educated at Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School. Joel also earned an automobile mechanics apprenticeship diploma. 

On November 19, 1974, Joel enlisted in the United States Navy where he was stationed on the USS Inflict of Little Creek, Virginia. While serving his country, Joel earned the National Defense Service Medal and the First Good Conduct Award. On November 11, 1979, he was honorably discharged from the Navy after 5 years of service.

On August 6, 1977, Joel was united in marriage to Bonnie J. Leavitt in Dolgeville, New York. The couple shared a union of 42 years together where they raised their three children in a loving home.

Joel was formerly employed as a mason for the Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local #2 for many years until his retirement several years ago.

He was of the Methodist faith and enjoyed playing guitar and singing, fishing, and camping.  Above all, Joel was a loving son, brother, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Joel is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie J. Johnson at home; his mother, Helen M. Johnson of Oppenheim, NY;  his children, Heith Leavitt of Salisbury Center, NY, Joseph Johnson and his companion, Jennifer Mason of Dolgeville, NY and Mindy Chrisman of Dolgeville, NY; his grandchildren, Alexandria Polidori, Felicia Leavitt, Christian Leavitt, Hannah Johnson, Owen Johnson, Olivia Wilmot, Elizabeth Wilmot, Hailey Dickson, Ethan Chrisman and Amber Chrisman; siblings, Deborah Johnson of Maine, Alan Johnson and his wife, Nadine of Oppenheim, NY, and Kathie Walrath and her husband, Dean “Deano” of Dolgeville, NY; nephews, Jeremiah Johnson and his wife, Becky, Justin Johnson and his companion, Veronica Trumble, Kristopher Walrath and his companion, Tiffany of Vermont, Corey Walrath and his companion, Jordan Godwin and Kyle Walrath; and several great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his beloved father, Donald H. Johnson in 2018, his maternal grandparents, Newell and Ida Montana, paternal grandparents, Harold and Malvina Johnson, aunts and uncles, Doris and Steve Skapik, Clayton and Betty Montana, Gladys and Howard "Bucky" Nellis, Ruth and Harry Polenski, and James and Katherine Montana.

In keeping with the family wishes, there will be no immediate services for Joel.  There will be a Celebration of Life later on in the summer at a date to be announced. The Johnson Family is being cared for by Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, (315) 429-7123.

We encourage anyone that wishes to pay respects to the Johnson Family, to please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the guest book.

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