Steven Robert Johnson

Steven R. Johnson, 76, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at his home in Hayward, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Pastor Josh Enderson will be officiating.

Steven was born on October 28, 1948 in St. Paul, MN. He was adopted by Theodore and Marvyl Johnson. He grew up in both Garner, IA and Albert Lea, MN. He was a member of the Hayward Lutheran Church, and was a member of the Eagles Club, and AA for 25 years as well.

Steve loved music, and was involved in various country bands with the “Honky Tonks” being his most recent. He was a jack of all trades, and due to his “engineering brain” was able to solve almost any problem that challenged him. He could be counted on being there to help out with anything. He had a true heart for service. He never complained or said anything bad about anyone. Due to his handyman status, he would go to Home Depot a lot, and considered a lot of the employees there a part of his family. During the fall and winter, he would cheer on the Vikings. He loved to eat breakfast with his friends, and spend time with his family.

Steve is survived in death by his wife Linda; children Jill (Garry) Erickson, Tony (Julie) Johnson, and Stacy (Mike) Swank. His grandchildren Justin Erickson, Julie (Torey Christensen) Erickson, Josh Swank, Rachel (Kyle) Augustine, and Sam Jensen (Robin Tidd). Great-grandchildren Arielle Christensen, Jens Augustine and Meerah McMahon. His sister Mary Jo Engen; honorary brothers and sisters David Sorenson, Lyle Sorenson, Chuck Sorenson, Dennis Brandt, Pam Beauchane, Beverly Wright, and Cheryl Schroeder; along with many nieces and nephews.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Marvyl Johnson; his father and mother in-law and which he also considered his second set of parents Donald and Marion Sorenson; and his aunt Maureen “Babe” Blood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hayward Lutheran Church.

Blessed be his memory.

The service will be live-streamed and can be watched below, or from the following link: https://youtube.com/live/poSG3wI8uLQ?feature=share