Name: Visitation for Stephen Fawcett Johnstone
Start: 2014-09-14T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-09-14T22:00:00.000Z
Location: OLD ST. MARY'S PARISH

Johnstone, Stephen Fawcett A Milwaukee local with deep ties to charity work and the Catholic faith, author of poetry, editorials, and literature, passed into eternal life on September 8, 2014. Steve had a unique and unparalleled zest for life, evident in his passion for literature, classical music, photography, and sports, his initiation into the Polar Bear Club, and most clearly through his adventures in gatecrashing. Steve loved and lived fully with Scripture as his guidance. Among his greatest gifts were his compassion, generosity, and capacity for forgiveness. Steve was born April 13, 1944 to Mary Jane and Quintin H. Johnstone in Wauwatosa, WI. He was the second of four children, Q.James ("Jimmy"), Mary Howard, O.P., and Michael. Steve attended Marquette High School, and Bellarmine College, Louisville, KY ('66). In his 45 years of work in public relations, he was named Fellow of Public Relations Society of America (2009), and was the recipient of the Dorothy Thomas Black Award (2007). Steve was also an active parishioner, dedicating his time and talent to a number of causes, most recently the Riverwest Food Pantry, the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, and the Congregation of St. Agnes Sponsorship Ministry Board. His artistic passion for reading and writing culminated in several books of poetry and a memoir, In The Company of Champions, detailing his lifelong escapades as a gatecrasher. The book garnered national attention in magazines around the country, and an interview on NPR's "Talk of The Nation" just hours before last year's Kentucky Derby. In addition to his beloved girlfriend Connie Wittig, Steve will always be remembered by his children Gina (Britten), Shannon (Anthony), Joel (Ada), Kongsone (Phia), grandchildren Avery and Juliana, and former wife Beverley. Through them, Steve's laughter and singing will live on. Visitation Sunday, September 14 at OLD ST. MARY'S PARISH, 844 N. Broadway, Milwaukee from 2:00 PM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 PM. A reception will be held immediately after for family and friends. Memorials in his name to the Riverwest Food Pantry, the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc., or the Dominican Center for Women would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sep. 11, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Johnstone

Sponsored by Harder Funeral Home - Brookfield.

16 Entries

Jackie Eberle

September 14, 2014

To the Johnstone Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, it was such a shock to hear about Steve's passing. He was one of the most generous people I knew. I was on a committee with him some years ago, and he always asked "Want a ride home?" at the end of each meeting. That was Steve, always thinking of others.

I last saw Steve about 2 or 3 years ago, and he was as kind and friendly as ever. I have no doubt that he is now at peace, now longer in pain and with Our Lord in Heaven.

Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God Bless the Johnstone Family.

Marian Olson

September 13, 2014

I worked with Steve at Andrews/Mautner and Blue Horse. He was a gentleman, and a gentle man (with a delightful sense of humor); a real class act all the way. I feel lucky to have known him.

Robert Hensberry

September 13, 2014

I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to Shannon and the Johnstone family. I am deeply sorry to learn of your loss. You will be in my prayers.

Mary Greulich

September 13, 2014

My prayers & thoughts are with you at this time. I had the good fortune of knowing Steve through his work at St. Vincent de Paul. Steve was a great support, giving his expertise and support, and kept our PR meetings fun & productive. Steve was never too busy to lend an ear and listen & advise.

Marianne Daly

September 13, 2014

I remember well Steve's presence and service to the Gesu community. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and offer my sympathy to his family. My the faith you share enfold you in peace and help you to look forward to the time when you will be reunited. Marianne Dunn Daly, New Zealand

Linda Barlow

September 12, 2014

My condolences to the Johnstone Family. I remember the fun times in Northern Wisconsin. Steve was always kind, thoughtful, and gentle, while trying to keep "the young ins" from getting too out of control. You are in my prayers.

September 12, 2014

Steve was a business friend and asset to the growth of my company, Rexworks. Steve did all he could to promote the company.

Further, Steve was one of the finest christian business men I ever knew! I am sure he is now very close to God!

Jim and Alice Stollenwerk

Rob Guilbert

September 12, 2014

My sympathies to Steve's family. Steve was a wonderful PR mentor to me and a colleague -- I was also fortunate to be his client and to receive his great counsel and services. He was the best PR guy and so generous with his expertise as a community volunteer.

John Luecke

September 12, 2014

I first met Steve through some PRSA chapter activities. In the mid-90s I joined Andrews-Mautner as a part-time account executive. Having worked on the client side of the PR industry and now teaching, Steve and his colleagues taught me a great deal about client relations and the agency side of the business.

There's one particular conversation I'll always remember. We were discussing a prospective client which sold replacement parts to foreign military organizations. At one point Steve said, "I hope we get the client because new business is always good, but I can't work with them. They supply
governments that suppress their own people."

What a statement of conscience, of faith and of deeply-held beliefs. Steve's story has been in more than one lecture on ethics and client selection.

Joan Weinrich

September 12, 2014

I worked with Steve for many years in the public relations departments of both Andrews/Mautner and Blue Horse in Milwaukee. He taught me so much and was the best boss anyone could ask for. My sympathies to the entire Johnstone family.

Jim Locatelli

September 12, 2014

Steve was a great guy and I always appreciated the support and friendship that he gave to me during our work together at Blue Horse. He was a kind and funny man and always enjoyed sharing his sports related gate crashing stories with me. I bumped into him several weeks ago at a Brewers game and forgot to ask him how he got in. Steve was a joy and pleasure to know and will be dearly missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

Luanne & Michael (Roberto-)Trzcinski

September 12, 2014

Dear Ones,
Each time we talked to Steve, we felt a strong and loving connection. He was a wonderful brother-in-law, and we are honored that he was part of our lives.
With love, Luanne & Michael

Sheila Houlihan Daily

September 12, 2014

I remember Steve with fondness at my first job at Hoffman York in the late 70s. He treated trainees with respect and was one of the nicest guys in the business. My sincere sympathies to his dear family.
Sheila Houlihan Daily

September 12, 2014

I went to Bellarmine College in Louisville with Steve. He was a charter member of our off-campus club, The Ball & Chain. Even as a very young man, he was exactly as he has been described now; one of the most respectful, genuine, positive people you could be with. I don't think I have ever met a nicer person. It does not surprise me at all that Steve (we called him Stoney at Bellarmine) was successful in public relations.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Ed Ryan, W. Barnet, VT

Kim Ammerman-Gerke

September 11, 2014

I will hold all of the Johnstone family in my heart and prayers in this difficult time. My deepest condolences to you all.

Bob Welke

September 11, 2014

Steve was one of the most decent and kindest human beings I've ever had the pleasure to work alongside. And I won't hold the fact that we went to the same high school against him. I recall seeing him speak beautifully when he was given an award by the p.r. group. Many, many friends will miss him. May he enjoy eternal happiness now that he has finally arrived at an entrance he doesn't have to sneak into.

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