Karl V. Johnson, 102, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023, at Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, PA, having lived there since 2013.

Karl, nicknamed Garlic by his mentors and peers, was born on August 31, 1920, to Clayton L. Johnson and Florence Helen (Young) Johnson at their home on Broad Street, Tatamy, PA. He was a Tatamy mainstay for 93 years. Dorothy, his wife of 74 years, passed away in 2013. He was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Tatamy.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He truly exemplified the Greatest Generation: personal responsibility, humility and dignity, work ethic, prudent saving, and faith. When he returned from his service in the Philippines, he embarked on a full life of working and walking, combined with civil service and his love for car detailing and painting houses.

His working career included 23 years at the Nazareth Steel Fabricators and 12 years with Equipto in Tatamy, among other employments. His community service consisted of serving on the Tatamy Borough Council, and volunteering with the Tatamy Fire Company as Recording Secretary and Chief Driver, and holding a lifetime membership. Karl also served as treasurer of the Tatamy Athletic Association, and was instrumental in developing the playing field on the Braden property (currently Braden Park). In his spare time, he enjoyed taking walks throughout his beloved hometown, meeting many residents along the way and logging many miles.

In addition to his wife, Karl was predeceased by his brother, Bertrand. He is survived by his two sons, Terry, of Harrisburg, PA, and William "Bill" and wife Janet, of Mechanicsburg, PA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, at the Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Forks Cemetery, Stockertown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Family Pillars Hospice, 3910 Adler Pl, Bethlehem, PA 18017, or Tatamy Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy, PA 18085.