Kenneth O. Johnson

Kenneth Otis Johnson passed away on November 8, 2025 in Loveland with his wife by his side. He was born February 22, 1940 in Greeley, CO to Kenneth Warren and Margaret Belle Lee Johnson. Ken spent most of his life in Greeley and Colorado. His father passed away when Ken was 7, leaving his mother to take care of him and his other brother Warren (2010).
Ken attended Cameron and Arlington Elementary, Meeker Jr. High, Greeley Central High School and graduated from CU Boulder.
Ken played drums in high school and belonged to several bands, one being, Jump N' Screech with Ray Leach. He belonged to the First Baptist Church in Greeley and was a Mason. He was an Eagle scout as well. Ken honorably served in the Air National Guard of Colorado and as a reserve of the Air Force for 6 years.
All his life Ken loved cars and hot rods. Several times he and his high school buddies would drive down to Tijuana, Mexico to get their rods "tuck n' rolled". Most recently, Ken's favorite hot rod was his '35 bright yellow Ford 5 window coupe, chopped and dropped. He participated in many car shows including Goodguys Rod and Custom and the Loveland Blue Light Specials.
Ken had a life long real estate career. Starting in Greeley with Ken Johnson Realty and continuing in Ft Collins and parts of California, with residential as well as commercial real estate.
He married Norene Kimes in 1965. They had 3 children, Chad, Jeff and Christa and then moved to California. In 1980 Norene and Ken divorced. Moving to Palm Desert in 1985 Ken continued his real estate career. It was there he met his bride to be, Diane. After being together 8 years, they married and moved to Ft Collins and later Loveland.
Ken and Diane had always loved Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains. Together they enjoyed fishing, hiking, all the wildlife and together they rehabbed 2 old mountain cabins.
In 1996, Ken helped start the non profit, Secret Santas for the Elderly. An organization reaching out to lonely and forgotten residents in care facilities in Larimer County.
Ken also had a great love and skill for carving for over 40 years. He enjoyed hand carving cowboys, fisherman, Polish Folk art, Day of the Dead characters and most of all old world Santa's. He carved an entire saloon scene that fits into a wooden wine box. He also gifted his wife one Christmas with a hand carved Nativity including the 3 wisemen.
Ken also loved beer and all the social friendships made at the original Big Beaver Brewery and the 5030 Berthoud Brewery in Loveland. He particularly loved watching "the races" on Hwy 34 from the patio at 5030.
A special thank you to all the caregivers and Darci and Rudy from Hospice, all disguised as angels helping Ken with his transition.
Ken leaves Diane, his wife of 39 years, his son Chad (Leah), son Jeff, and daughter, Christa Keppler (Mike). His stepsons, Jason DeFalco (Kristen) and Jeremy DeFalco (Lisa). His grandchildren, Hannah Johnson (Chance), Miles Johnson (Chloe), Stella Johnson, Axel Johnson, Lily Johnson, Sierra Keppler, Aleah Keppler. His step grandchildren, Zoe DeFalco, Jack DeFalco, Jenna DeFalco, Toni DeFalco