Steven Neal Johnson

Steven Neal Johnson, 78, of Quincy, formerly of Keokuk, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

He was born April 24, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Dr. Leo and Levine Sletten Johnson. His family later moved to Wildwood, Illinois, where they attended Wildwood Presbyterian Church, and it was there, at eight years old, that Steven accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He firmly believed that knowing Christ is more than simply attending church or doing good works — it is a personal decision to trust and accept Him into one’s life.

In the late 1950s, his family moved to Grayslake, Illinois, where he graduated from Grayslake High School with the Class of 1965. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois. He received his Masters’s degree from Governors State University.

Steven enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably in Texas, Arizona, and Vietnam.

For nearly fifty years he went on to serve in numerous counseling roles. Steven volunteered with many organizations, with some of his most meaningful service being with the Red Cross. He was deployed across the country, using his counseling skills to help those in crisis. He also served as a chaplain for The Salvation Army.

He was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk. Steven enjoyed running, bicycling, and speed walking.

On September 22, 1984, Steven was united in marriage to Deborah Sue “Deb” Robertson in Des Plaines, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 15, 2016. He was later united in marriage to Lois Kunz on March 30, 2025, at the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk. She survives.

He is also survived by his sister, Shari Eide (James) of Champaign, Illinois; two stepdaughters, Jeanne Arozqueta (Adrian) of Danville, California, and Paula Adduci of Crockett, California; three step-grandchildren, Luka Arozqueta, Sydney Adduci, and Ashton Arozqueta; and a brother-in-law, Gary Kunz.

In addition to his wife, Deborah, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Scott Johnson, a brother-in-law, Wayne Kunz; and sisters-in-law, Barb Kunz and Wanda Kunz.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk, with Pastor Jeff Higbie officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the family meeting friends during that time.

Memorials may be made to the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk, IA

Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family with arrangements