Curt Charles Johnson, 67, of Rapid City, passed away on October 9, 2025, following his courageous ten-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Curt was born on January 24, 1958, in Detroit, to Robert Johnson and Dorothy (Snyder) Johnson. He moved to Elk Rapids at the age of 12, later graduating from Elk Rapids High School in 1977. Curt proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Hull Technician from 1977 to 1982.

He went on to further his education, earning a degree in Fire Science from Lake Superior State University in 1994. In doing so, he dedicated much of his time to community service, volunteering as a firefighter with the Milton Township Fire Department for 9 years and the Elk Rapids Fire Department for 27 years, where he was honored as "Firefighter of the Year" in 2000. Being a volunteer firefighter meant frequently sacrificing holidays, birthdays, and family time to help strangers in need—something Curt did willingly and without hesitation.

Later, Curt pursued a degree in Respiratory Therapy from Ferris State University, graduating in 2004. This allowed him to offer compassionate care to a diverse population of patients at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac for many years. Curt was known for being empathetic, selfless, and kind—always putting the needs of others before his own.

His greatest joys in life were hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, going on bike rides with his daughter, Gwen, and being outdoors walking his dog, Puff. Regardless of the situation, he was always looking for new ways to have fun. To Curt, life was an adventure—where back roads were meant to be taken "to see where they go," strangers were simply friends he hadn't met yet, and time was never meant to be watched too closely.

Curt was a loving and devoted son, brother, father, and friend to many. He is survived by his daughter, Gwendolyn (Johnson) Robertson; his bonus children, Jacqueline (Mangene) Shumaker and Michael Mangene; his sister, Joanne Johnson; niece, Kia Avery; nephew, Robert Avery; as well as many cherished family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; niece, Anne Avery; and beloved life partner, Lynda Mangene.

A service to celebrate Curt's life will be held on October 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Elk Rapids Bible Church, located at 400 E 3rd Street in Elk Rapids, MI. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. A luncheon will be held afterward at AMVETS Post #114, located at 410 Bridge Street in Elk Rapids. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Michigan Outdoor Wishmakers, a nonprofit organization that helps children, adults, and veterans with life-limiting disabilities participate in outdoor activities and hunting experiences.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel is charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com