John Charles Johnson

John Charles Johnson passed away peacefully at home on the morning of June 14 at the age of 82. While we grieve the loss of the man we knew and loved, we also rejoice that he is now free from the constraints of Lewy Body Dementia.

Born in Hartland, Minnesota, on July 8, 1942, John was the only child of Marvin and Marie (Nelson) Johnson. He spent much of his childhood on a farm in Princeton, where he developed a strong connection to his community through the local newspaper and church. He wrote for the paper and even occasionally filled in for the pastor—an early sign of the eloquence, curiosity, and calling that would define his life.

John attended Gustavus Adolphus College (Class of 1964), where he made lifelong friends, toured with the Gustavus Choir, and perfected the art of “talking smart.” It was there he met Joyce Wallinder. They married in August of 1964 and shared 58 years of partnership and adventure until Joyce’s passing in December 2022.

Following college, John earned his Master of Divinity from Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1968, cultivating more cherished friendships and honing his signature blend of wisdom, deep dialogue, and soul-stirring conversation.

He served as a Lutheran pastor for the next 14 years, leading memorable congregations in both the Twin Cities and Baltimore, Maryland. Eventually, John left formal ministry to live out his calling in a different way—using his gifts as a community organizer and agent of change.

Together, John and Joyce raised three children—Tim, Kirk, and Molly—surrounded by the beauty of lake life, first on Lake Marion in Hutchinson and later on Crystal Lake in Burnsville. John was a joyful and unconditional cheerleader as both a father and a friend, always celebrating the people around him and urging them forward with admiration and earnest interest.

He was a connector of people and ideas—a global traveler who visited over 40 countries for business and pleasure. A lover of culture, discourse, and human connection, John found delight in the odd and the ordinary alike—whether in the work of a dung beetle, the turn of a phrase, or the depth of a spirited conversation. A poet and passionate letter-writer, even his emails were eloquent. He had a lifelong love for books, art, music, and theater.

John was a phenomenal conversationalist—he listened, he asked questions, he validated, and he encouraged. His presence made others feel seen, heard, and inspired.

John was also a builder of better systems. A self-declared fan of revolution, he made it his life’s work to challenge the status quo and champion transformation. His professional legacy includes founding the Community Action Council in Dakota County, which has since evolved into 360 Communities—an organization still creating ripples of impact today. Later, through his consulting firm, Changemaking Systems LLC, John coached individuals and organizations to embrace meaningful, people-centered change.

In the kitchen, John was a bold and joyful chef—often preparing five-course meals with flair and using every dish in the house. His curiosity, coaching, and problem-solving never left him, even as his memory faded. His signature warmth and chuckle remained endearing to those who cared for him. A special thank-you to Morna and Anthony, who helped tenderly care for John in his final chapter.

Left to tell John's story are son Tim (Julie), daughter Molly (Brad) Warmka and beloved grandchildren Ellie, Tatum, Maya, Tyler, and Josie. We are comforted knowing that John is now reunited with Joyce, their son Kirk, his parents Marvin and Marie, and a chorus of dear friends and ancestors. We imagine the welcome home party being thrown to be spectacular—the elegant food, the free-flowing drinks, the music and above all, the conversation!

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held on what would have been his 83rd birthday—Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 201 Hope Avenue, Jordan, MN. A luncheon will follow.

In 2022, we held a living funeral where John got to hear firsthand how deeply he impacted the lives of others. Now, we gather again to honor a life richly lived, a mind brilliantly engaged, and a heart that never stopped believing in change.