Steven "Steve" Johnston

Steven "Steve" Johnston

2026

Steven "Steve" K. Johnston, age 77, of Marcell, MN, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Aspen Circle, Bigfork nursing home, surrounded by family.

Steve was born in 1948 to Todd and Joyce Johnston in Minneapolis, MN. Steve grew up in the area and attended the local schools. After high school, he went to a community college but realized that college was not for him and joined the U.S. Navy instead. Steve served in the Navy for seven years as a Navy Acoustical Operator on a P3 Orion, tracking Soviet subs. After his discharge, he attended barbering school.

Steve met Jan when she walked into his barber shop to get a haircut. The pair was married on February 4, 1984. The couple made their home in Bloomington, MN. Steve continued his barbering career for 30 years, and after many years of cutting hair, he went to work as a maintenance engineer for Polar Chevrolet. After selling their home in Bloomington, they were able to complete the build on their dream home in Marcell. Jan moved there in 2010 and Steve, after retiring, joined her in 2012.

Steve was known as a character, always making other people laugh. He liked nothing better than helping his neighbors and friends, so much so that Jan had to remind him to cut their grass. He had a great love for animals, and that showed in all the family pets they owned over the years and his eagerness to pet sit for others. Steve touched everyone with his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Steve is survived by his wife of almost 42 years, Jan; daughter, Courtney (Jason); brother, Brian; and numerous friends.

A celebration of Steve's life is being planned for this summer with burial at Fort Snelling Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.