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Memorial Service Set To 'Honor' Michigan Hiker

PORTAGE (AP) - Family and friends of a Michigan businessman who died while hiking on Japan's Mount Fuji plan to honor his life.

MLive.com reports Monday that Matt Johnson's sister announced the July 24 memorial service by posting a message on Facebook. Holli Karrer says the service will "honor Matt's life."

Karrer says the 7 p.m. service held at Kalamazoo First Assembly of God in Portage "will not be a traditional funeral, but a celebration of Matt's life" and encourages attendees to "come dressed as you are."

Johnson, who lived in Portage about 50 miles south of Grand Rapids, was last seen Jan. 13 on the mountain near Tokyo. The software engineer for Eaton Corp. was in Japan on business.

Johnson's body was recovered June 8, about 650 yards from a trail.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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