Rev. Dr. Keith Leonard Johnson

Reverend Dr. Keith Leonard Johnson, 85 years of age, of Muskego, Wisconsin passed away peacefully with his immediate family by his side, receiving his Crown of Glory on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Keith was a devoted husband to Sylvia Ann (nee Vandor) Johnson, and a loving father to Carolyn (Robert) Berlinski, Brian (Stacie) Johnson, and Jennifer (David) Trojan. He was a dear grandfather to Ian Berlinski, Makenna (Kenneth) Jarvis, Andrew, Megan & Kilei Johnson, Peyton Dent, Bryan (Sarah) Trojan, and Andrea Trojan. He was the proud great-grandfather of Hoyt Jarvis and Leo Trojan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Blanche Johnson, youngest brother, LeVerne Johnson, and grandson, Noah Johnson.

Born on August 25, 1939 in Sumner, Iowa, Keith attended elementary school in Dunkerton, Gilbertville and Jessup, Iowa, graduating 8th grade from St. Paul's Lutheran School in Evansdale. He then attended McKinstry Middle School and graduated from East Waterloo High in 1957. Following high school graduation, Keith attended St. Paul's College in Concordia, Missouri from 1957-1960 where he met his wife-to-be, Sylvia Vandor. He moved on to the Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the fall of 1960 to continue preparing for the ministry. He then entered Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1966.

Keith was united in marriage to Sylvia Ann Vandor on August 4, 1963 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lakewood, California. In spite of being almost late to the ceremony due to beach traffic, the couple was blessed with almost 62 years of God's grace.

Pastor Johnson's vicarage was served at Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria, Illinois. Upon graduation, he was placed in a dual parish which included Trinity Lutheran Church and First English Lutheran Church in Hartford and Parker, South Dakota. He served these parishes from 1966-1972 and then received a call to serve another dual parish which included St. John's Lutheran Church and Concordia Lutheran Church in Wolsey and Wessington, South Dakota where he served from 1972-1977.

After 11 years in South Dakota, Pastor Johnson accepted a call to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Foley, Alabama. While serving there, he started a mission church, St. Jude's by the Sea Lutheran Church, in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

In the summer of 1980, Pastor Johnson received and accepted the call to serve as Associate Pastor at Hales Corners Lutheran Church and School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin where he served until his retirement, the first of which was in 2009, and finally in 2021 when his health began to fail.

During Pastor Johnson's 40+ years at Hales Corners Lutheran, he touched many lives as he baptized, confirmed, married, and conducted funerals for the members of the congregation that he loved. He even managed to return to Concordia Seminary to get his Doctor of Ministry degree. Visiting the hospitalized and home-bound, as well as conducting devotions and services in local care centers, was his "ministry mission." He spent 20 years as Chaplain at Steeple View and served as Pastoral Counselor of the English District Lutheran Women's Ministry League. His kind, compassionate, and loving heart endeared him to many.

Pastor Johnson was active in the community as a member of the Hales Corners Lions Club for 35+ years serving in various offices and as Chaplain of the area zone.

His Boss was a carpenter, and he enjoyed wood-working, home improvement projects and gardening, but spending time with his Lord and his family was by far his favorite activities.

Memorials may be directed to Hales Corners Lutheran Church Foundation, Concordia Seminary St. Louis Scholarship Fund, and the Alzheimer's Association.

To God be the Glory!

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