Jan Johnson was only 57 years young, when he unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on April 29, 2016, at his home in Prior Lake, MN.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 20, at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. The service will be led by Life Tribute Specialist, Jean Breeggemann.
In Baraboo, WI, Lewis James and Viola Katherine (Meyer) Johnson, proudly welcomed into their arms a baby boy they named Jan Lew Johnson. Growing up in the small town of North Freedom, WI, he was the youngest of three children. As a boy, Jan enjoyed fishing at the mill pond and the nearby river. In high school, he enjoyed participating in football, basketball and track. But Jan’s true enjoyment and pastime was driving around and making memories in his light blue VW bug!
After graduating from Baraboo High School in 1977, Jan furthered his education at Madison Area Technical College, earning a degree in Electronics. First working for MPI (Magnetic Peripherals Incorporated, a subsidiary of Control Data) for many years, he spent over 20 years working for AeroSystems Engineering. He truly enjoyed his job and the true friendships he made there over the years.
Unbeknownst to Jan, there was a classmate that had her eyes on him for many years. Her name was Theresa Miner. Finally, late in their senior year, Jan and Theresa connected and their relationship grew from there. On September 29, 1979 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jan and Theresa were married. They were later blessed with two precious children, Erin and Nathan. The Johnson family first lived in Eden Prairie, before settling their roots in Prior Lake, MN.
Through the years, Jan and his family enjoyed a lot of camping in Minnesota State Parks. First experiencing the tenting life, to later stepping up to a camper. The family also enjoyed trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, where Jan would also love taking Erin and Nate on individual trips. He enjoyed coaching Nate’s baseball team, attending his sporting events and fishing with him. Jan and Erin shared a love of music and attended many concerts together. His family was able to get him on a plane for the first time to visit Erin and her husband Shane in Baltimore. Jan and Theresa relished the driveway parties and backyard bonfires with friends and neighbors, working on projects around the house and most of all just being together.
Jan had many interests throughout the years. He dabbled in fly fishing, duck and deer hunting and wood working. He had a passion for canoeing and camping, taking many trips to the BWCA with friends and even on his own. In recent years, Jan had become a true friend to many on the BWCA website sharing his expansive knowledge with others. He excelled over the years with his photography and enjoyed a good practical joke. He also loved feeding and watching birds, drinking a beer and having a smoke.
Jan could be quick to temper, but even quicker to forgive. Once you knew him, your greeting went from a handshake to a hug. Jan had a thoughtful, charismatic, softhearted and loving personality.
Forever missed, Jan will be forever loved by his beloved wife, Theresa (Miner) Johnson; daughter, Erin (Shane) Slama; son, Nathan (Kacy Fahrmann) Johnson; sister, Fayette (Bud) Knoop; brother, Don (Sharkie) Johnson; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Jan was welcomed home in heaven by his parents, Lewis and Viola Johnson.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Johnson family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
