John Warren Johnson

Link to view recording of his service: https://vimeo.com/789321253
Johnson, John Warren, age 93 of Minneapolis, passed away surrounded by his children on January 6, 2023. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Marion, parents, Lillian and Walter Johnson, stepmother, Eileen, and Grandson Jonathan. He is survived by his children: Daniel (Terri), Karen (Richard), and Nancy. Grandchildren: Aaron (Jessica), Daniel (Breanna), Christopher, Jordan, Johnna, and Meredith (Steven). Great granddaughters: Eloise and Callyn.
John was born in 1929 in Minneapolis where he lived his entire life. He enjoyed spending summers in Chamberlain, South Dakota on the family farm and soon discovered his love for travel when the whole family went on road trips. John attended Minneapolis Southwest High School where he played football and was President of his senior class. In his teens, he attended and sang in the Wesley Methodist Choir. John, like Marion, had a beautiful voice. John worked hard to reach his goal of playing on the University of Minnesota football team and becoming a member of the "M" Club. He played four years under Coach Bernie Bierman. He also boxed and notably sparred against Bud Grant. He graduated from the U of M with a degree in Economics and a minor in Political Science.
John met Marion at a youth group event at Wesley Methodist church and fell in love in 1946. They were married in 1951 and spent their first few summers leading travel groups around Europe. The start of many adventures.
John was a member of the US Navy reserve for eight years and was on active duty for two years in Tennessee and Illinois. John's first professional job was at International Milling as the Fleet Supervisor (he loved cars). He joined the American Collectors Association as the Executive Director in 1955 and retired as the CEO in 1996, after 41 years.
John worked hard and held at least two jobs most of his life. In 1956 he was a founder of the Minnesota Society of Association Executives and became their president in 1962. John was a member and Chairman (1986-87) of the American Society of Association Executives and a member and Chairman (1973) of the US Chamber of Commerce.
John started his political career in 1963 when he was elected to the Minneapolis City Council (1963-67), then he served in the Minnesota House of Representatives (1967-74) where he was the assistant majority leader. In 1974, he was a candidate for governor of Minnesota.
For six years, John was the director of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and was a member of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Speaker's Bureau and the Citizen's League of Greater Minneapolis. During his life, he served on numerous local boards and had hundreds of public speaking engagements all over the world.
John traveled to 200+ countries in the world, flew over 1 million miles, drove thousands of miles on 6 continents, and loved to talk about his travels with family and members of the many groups he led.
He served as the chairman of the church council at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, where he and Marion were members for 62 years. They were also active members of Bible Study Fellowship. He believed that life has many lessons and the best place to go for advice is the Bible.
John loved to write and had nine books published. He was always active and looking for rugged adventures where he pushed the limits. He never did anything the "easy way." Although, John's life accomplishments were many, most would know John as a humble, kind, practical, down-to-earth man. He challenged in thoughtful ways and always had a listening ear. The twinkle in his eye, along with a welcoming smile, made everyone feel, they were life-long friends.
John collected antique cars, played golf, and was always working in the yard at home and at the cabin. He loved his family and enjoyed going to sporting events and supporting his children and grandchildren. His greatest love was Marion, who was also his biggest fan, travel companion, campaign manager, and life partner.
The family would like to thank Sam Ndungu for his companionship to John since April 2020. Dad's life was enhanced because of Sam's devotion. We appreciate the wonderful staff at The Waters on 50th and our dear friend Molly. We miss and love John so much!
The family suggests memorials to any of the following organizations in lieu of flowers: Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Cathedral of the Pines Camp, or the YMCA Camp Menogyn.
Funeral service will be held at 11AM with visitation one hour prior on Friday, January 20th at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis. Visitation also from 4 to 6PM on Thursday, January 19th, at: