BRYAN, OHIO - John Michael Johnson, son of Margaret (Johnson) Nafziger and Leonard Nafziger, took his last breath on Wednesday morning, May 14, 2025. John was born on June 3, 1988, in Pierceton, Indiana to Andy Johnson II and Margaret (Lehman) Johnson. John suffered a lifetime of pain and medical hardships due to a congenital kidney disorder. After nearly 27 years of a combination of peritoneal and hemodialysis and a kidney transplant, medical science was no longer able to sustain his life.

In an amazing testimony to the goodness of God, John was able to embrace his death and dying with no fear. He was at complete peace and was ready and prepared to be with the Lord in a better place. Throughout his life, John tried very hard to remain active and productive to the best of his ability. He found great satisfaction in being an employee at Marshall's Department Store in Defiance, Ohio. In spite of his many health issues, he was very hard working, rarely missed a day, hated it when he did and was always on time. On one occasion he was chosen as "employee for the quarter." It was a sad, sad day for John when he had to give up his job because of his failing health.

John really enjoyed and deeply loved his many nieces and nephews and looked forward to family gatherings and birthday parties. We are blessed to have many pictures that capture the joy on his face when he got to encounter and hold the newest family member. John had an interesting hobby of collecting anything related to Mario Brothers. His apartment was an amazing, one-of-a- kind, sight to behold, with even a Mario decorated Christmas tree, which he left up pretty much year-round. His 35th birthday was celebrated with a Mario themed party. It was a great joy for him to be showered with gifts that he could add to his growing collection. He also enjoyed watching football and basketball and this year couldn't have been better for him. We knew as a family that he was really hurting when he declined going to the big family party at his sister's house to watch the NCAA football championship game. Dad stayed behind with John and the two of them had the pleasure of seeing the Buckeyes win the game. Perhaps what John enjoyed most in the world of sports was March Madness, which he looked forward to with great anticipation. And again, even though he was not able to attend the larger family gathering, it couldn't have ended better for him. This time, both Mom and Dad stayed behind and got to celebrate with John as he was declared the winner of this year's family bracketology. Out of 18 participants, he had picked Florida as the national champion and the team to beat. Go Johnny!!!

John was preceded in death by his father, Andy Johnson II and all of his grandparents. He is survived by his parents, Leonard and Margaret Nafziger of Alvordton, Ohio and his nine siblings, Luke (Jillian Yoder) of Mark Center, Ohio and their 3 children: Lily, Ross, and Grant, Andy (Bethany Sias) of St. Paul, Minnesota and their 2 children: Havana and Denali, Alyssa (Jeremiah Greve) of Defiance, Ohio and their 4 children: Aiden, Carsen, Ayla, and Carla, Caleb (Abby Wyse) of Wauseon, Ohio and their 4 children: Quintin, Ben, Rachel, and Arianna, Bekah (Zak Appel) of Floyds Knobs, Indiana and their 5 children: Tristan, Collin, Zion, Eden, and Atlas, Phil (Marijah Kent) of Columbia, Kentucky and their 5 children: Fia, David, Judah, Willow, and Natalie, Lenny (Kim Farlow) of Alvordton, Ohio and their baby: Charity, who John called “Boo”, Marcus (Olivia Horsman) of Austin, Texas, and youngest brother, Solomon, not married.

In the midst of our deep sadness and grief, we as a family are truly grateful for all the great memories and the joy we feel as we remember John's life. And we are also forever grateful for anyone and every one of you who contributed to John's life by most importantly, praying, and secondly, by any act of kindness that you showed to him. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Although we will deeply miss him, we can all be at peace that John is in a better place with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 12:00PM at Crossroads Church, 601 Bonaparte Drive, Napoleon, Ohio 43545, with his brother, Andy Johnson III officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 PM on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the church. His remains will be buried prior to the Memorial Service in a private burial in Richmond, Indiana. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday between 3:00-5:00PM. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the church in honor of John. For additional information and to view John’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.



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