June
8, 1976 - June 21, 2008MISHAWAKA - Christopher Allen Johnson, 32, of Minneapolis, MN, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2008, in Bloomington, IN. Christopher was born on June 8, 1976, in South Bend and grew up in Mishawaka. He moved to Minneapolis, MN 10 years ago. On June 8, 2007, in Howard Lake, Minnesota, he married the former Michele Lynn Riordan, who survives. Along with his wife, Michele and their two beloved dogs, Smeagol and Chloe, survivors in his immediate family include his parents, Kenny and Wendy (Welch) Johnson; his sister, Dawn Marie Johnson; his grandmother, Virginia Reed; his nephews, Taylor Allen and Christopher Ashton, all of Mishawaka; and his mother-in-law, Martha Riordan of Federal Way, WA. Also surviving are his aunts and uncles, Wanda (Jimmy) Leyes, Julie (Steve) Janiszewski, Marcia Kay (Jim) Stewart, Gary Welch, Terry Johnson, Peggy Terry, Janet Daniel and Gail (Vernon) Marshall. He has many more aunts, uncles and cousins, both locally and scattered around the country. During his life in Mishawaka, he attended Penn High School. He loved skateboarding and music. In 1998, he and some friends moved to Minneapolis. He worked at the Uptown Davannis in Minneapolis as shift supervisor and cook for the past eight years. When his cousin, Ryan, moved to Minneapolis, they formed a band called Useless Wooden Toys, playing at venues all around Minneapolis. As their popularity grew, they started touring all over the country; playing in such cities as Seattle, San Diego, Denver, Chicago, Milwaukee, New York City, and so many more, making friends everywhere they went. In 2004, he met the love of his life, Michele. They were married at her Uncle John and Aunt Shirley's home, overlooking St. Mary's Lake in Minnesota in 2007. It was a beautiful celebration of their love for each other and their love towards their family and friends. We have heard from so many people from around the country, personal friends, fellow musicians and people who Christopher has met during his many travels, all expressing their love, support and wonderful stories. He loved many and was loved by more. He will be greatly missed. Cremation took place in Bloomington, Indiana. There will be no formal service. We invite everyone to a Celebration of Christopher's Life being held at George Wilson Park on Dragoon Trail in Mishawaka. Come share your memories with his wife Michele and his family. Hours are 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2008. Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, South Bend is assisting the Johnson family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.