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The 1800’s saw a mass emigration from Europe’s unrest and uncertainty, to a land of freedom and opportunity, the United States of America. The residents of Finland were no exception, and Serenus Johnson was among them. When he arrived in 1912, he joined his five brothers, who preceded him, working on the freighters that sailed the Great Lakes. Soon his new country was involved in World War I and Serenus got a job as a riveter in a plant that was building boats for the war effort. During that time, Serenus married and started a family that would come to include three daughters and two sons. Around the birth of his first child and eldest son, Serenus began his construction career. He and his wife made a strong team, as they ran a business and raised five children. They, along with many other Americans, weathered the Great Depression to see their business grow in Bay City and throughout the surrounding communities. |
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| The material and labor shortages of World War II were difficult on the construction business. With the end of the war, there was a building boom across America, including Mid-Michigan. When his youngest child, Raymond, joined the company and it became, “Serenus Johnson and Son.” The company continued to expand into different types of construction and to other communities. Serenus decided it was time to retire in 1962. Raymond continued to operate the successful business until he retired in 1996. Tom Johnson, Raymond’s son (and Serenus’ grandson) presently heads the business with a fourth generation looking to continue the business. The company is now Serenus Johnson Construction, a name that reflects its founder’s belief in honesty, hard work and quality. Serenus and his wife would be pleased. |
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© 2002 Serenus Johnson Website Design by: AP Sites and Holt Marketing
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