Michael J. Johnson

Mike J. Johnson
December 29, 1961 – June 25, 2025 

Mike J. Johnson, age 63, of Brookfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025. Born on December 29, 1961, in West Allis, Mike was a lifelong Wisconsinite who filled every room with laughter and an endless supply of boat stories. 

Mike spent his life dedicated to the family business, Permay, where he proudly worked from childhood. He especially cherished his early summers as a “beep counter” on Lake Sinissippi — a title he wore with pride and a grin. His passion for hard work was only matched by his passion for life’s simpler joys: family, friendship, and being out on the water. 

In 1991 Mike met the love of his life, Sue, through mutual friends. They married in September 1994 and settled in Brookfield, where they built a life with their two daughters, Lauren and Amanda. 

If you knew Mike, you knew about his boat. Whether he was driving it, talking about it, showing you pictures, or researching the next one, boats were his happy place. He also had a lifelong love of humor — the sillier, the better. Mike had a childlike joy and a jokester’s spirit that brought smiles to everyone around him. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Johnson; his daughters, Amanda and Lauren; and his siblings: Sue (Larry) Pals, Jim (Linda) Johnson, Bill (Ruthann) Johnson, Mary (Ron) Coletti, and Pat Savin. He is further loved and remembered by a wide circle of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, a ton of Buettners, and many cherished friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruth Johnson, and his brother, John. 

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI 53072. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, with the service at 12:00 PM, followed by a brief reception. 

In true Mike fashion, this won’t be a somber sendoff — think more ‘boat day’ than black tie. Feel free to wear colors that remind you of him: bright blues, sunny yellows, or anything that says joy. Let’s celebrate the life he lived and the waves he made.