"Lord Lawrence Dale "DALE" Johnson, 61 , entered into the Kingdom of Heaven June 17th, 2021 at his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia, surrounded by love, after a very long, bravely fought battle with cancer. 

Dale was a joyful man,  consummate goofball, eternal optimist and an inspiring soul to others. He approached his cancer treatments with the same humor and positivity that he dedicated to each and every day . His bright patterned Hawaiian shirts (that could probably be seen from space) gave a bright and inspiring light to the other warriors as well as doctors and staff.  As a patient, Dale was often told that he was the GOAT (greatest of all time) due to his attitude and outlook.

Dale LOVED to travel and fully experience different cultures, food, and activities.  He wanted to see it all and do it all.  He was a big kid who loved all of us unconditionally.   One of his favorite trips allowed him to snuggle a sloth named Sammy.  Dale loved the simple things in life and was happy wherever he was -whether it was sitting on the front porch drinking coffee and watching the deer or ziplining  thru the Phuket jungle.  He was the master of the Donald Duck voice and was a giant play toy for children and animals.

Dale spent his entire life in the service of others.  He was a Mqt. Twp firefighter for over 22 years, an EMT and a sheriff's deputy.  He saved many lives of total strangers who got to have a future because of him. Early on he was a builder for his stepfather and carried that knowledge and skill for the rest of his life.  He could build anything, fix anything and was gifted with creativity.   He excelled in plastic model building and won many state and national awards.  Dale was a kind hearted and generous man who respected and helped anyone in need.  His sense of humor and quick wit made someone's day better every day.  He loved his family and was very proud of his daughter, Nikki. We always knew  how loved and cherished we were because he was generous with his heart.

Dale is preceded in death by his mother, Audrey (Paul) Fredrickson and his father, Larry Johnson.  He is survived by his adoring wife, Lady Dorothy Johnson of Fredericksburg Va,  his beautiful daughter Nikki (Jon) LaCasse and 3 wonderful grandchildren, Morgan, Wyatt and Eva of Crivitz Wi.  His step-mother Jan Johnson of Mqt, his brothers and sisters Paul Johnson of Spanaway Wa, Donald Johnson of Felch Mi, Cynthia Morsbach of Mqt, George (Danielle) Johnson of Rudyard Mi, Lauren (Randy) Swan of Newnan Ga, Cindy Jo (Ray) Foor of Gwinn Mi, Keith Lefort of Fredericksburg Va, God-daughter Carrie (Justin) LaForge, God-son Justin Anthony as well as 7 nieces and nephews.   Dale was admired by all, loved by all and will be missed by all.  The world is a dimmer place without him in it. 

There will be no funeral services.  Dale's ashes will be carried by MTFD to the Marquette welcome center to be released at a later date.

  In lieu of flowers, please hold your loved ones a little closer and be generous with your love and joy.

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