Jacqueline Martha Johnson

Jacqueline “Jackie” Johnson of West Branch, MI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on August 2, 1929, in Conneaut, OH. The family moved to Lansing, MI where she spent her childhood until the family relocated to Standish, MI. Her high school education was at Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw.

The former Jacqueline Waideich married Don DeRosia on May 22,1954 in Standish, MI where they raised their family. Don predeceased her, passing on May 22, 1975. Jackie worked for 16 years for the Arenac County Extension Service, and then Standish-Sterling Community Schools for 23 years, retiring as Administrative Secretary to the Superintendent.

Jackie married Lyle G. Johnson on May 31, 1986. They lived in Eaton Rapids, MI, later moving to Lyle’s family property south of West Branch in April 2004. Jackie was a skilled artist working in multiple mediums. The couple loved to travel, and did so extensively, including trips to art fairs at which she sold her works.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Lyle; children Dean (Sally) DeRosia, Phoenix, AZ; Dale (Hao) DeRosia, Glendale, AZ; Sharon DeRosia Brady, West Branch, MI; step-daughter, Beth (Dave) Ziegler, Dexter, MI; brother-in-law, Carl Soll, Naples, FL; eight (8) grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eberhardt and Marie Waidelich, siblings Reverend Carl William Waidelich, Barbara Soll, Marena Mikol and husband Donald, stepson Mark Johnson; son-in-law, Kevin Brady; brothers-in-law Frank Johnson, Charles Johnson and wife Barbara, Lowell Johnson and wife Viola; sisters-in-law Leona DeRosia, Isabel DeRosia Miller and husband Maynard, and Genevieve DeRosia Cossin.

The Family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the wonderful, dedicated staff of The Brook - West Branch and Compassus Hospice of West Branch for their kind and devoted care for our parents.

The funeral service will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Carl Petzold will officiate. Burial will be at Pine River Cemetery in Standish, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice of West Branch, or St. John Lutheran Church, West Branch.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com