Maximus Johnson

2012 - 2025

Maximus Johnson

May 25, 2012 - October 2, 2025

Maximus Thoreau Johnson passed away October 2, 2025, in Omaha, Neb., at the age of 13 years. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Karen Walkling; his aunt, Amber Nielsen; and great-grandparents, Stephen Counterman, Carole Nielsen, Doretta Greelis, and Edith Dougherty. He is survived by his parents, Ashlen and Whitney Johnson; sister, Lilah Johnson; grandparents, Mike and Kim Grieve, David Johnson, and Bobby and Anna Nielsen; great-grandparents, Jerry Greelis, Karen Counterman, Bob Nielsen, and Warren and Sue Grieve; and uncles, Dustin (Leigh Ann) Johnson, Stephan (Haley) Johnson, Bobby Joe (Jade) Nielsen, Jesse (Lisa) Orr; aunt, Antrenity (Shawn) Richards; and cousins, Brooklyn, Braeleigh, Brityn, Brody, Oliver, Amanda, Jordyn, Marissa, Kaitlyn, Madisyn, Dylan, Olive, and Jett; many great-aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends; and his "best buds", Eevee, Oliver, and Rosie.

Our adventurer Maximus was born May 25, 2012, in Omaha. Maximus had the kindest, sweetest soul from the moment he was born. His smile lit up the room. Like every great adventurer, Maximus needed a party, which he found in his sister Lilah, his close friends, his cousins, and his beloved pets. He was a "try everything" kid, always willing to give something or someone a chance. He quested for good food, spicy challenges, fun games, and the happiness of others. At times Maximus was an 80 year old man, an old soul. Other times, he was your typical teenager who was searching for who he was in this world with Taki dust on his fingers and hidden jars of pickles under his bed. He was fascinated by people, culture, and the big questions of the world. Maximus traveled the streets of NYC and Boston, experienced the culture of Japan, explored the Alaskan wilderness, and all other sights in between. During downtime Maximus could be found watching his favorite anime, playing his favorite video games, participating in local game shop activities, reading, and cuddling with his pets.

Maximus' adventure was littered with obstacles, monsters to slay, and loot to plunder. Like any hero, Maximus didn't walk away from the battle unscarred but he always chose to fight on. Maximus' CHD journey began with being diagnosed with Schone's Complex at six months old. He overcame seven open heart surgeries, mechanical mitral valve placement, pacemaker placement, heart failure, numerous procedures, and the fear of the unknown. He personified what it means to be a Heart Hero.

Like every great campaign, Maximus' adventure has come to an end. It's not an ending any of us hoped for or expected but we know what Maximus would want. Gather your party. Go on an adventure. Be happy and surrounded with love (and maybe riches). Eat the food you like. Support CHD research. Pet a cat. Be kind. And always, always, always… tell everyone to have a great day. In honor of Maximus please wear your nerdiest t-shirts, comfiest clothes, or whatever makes you feel happy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heart Heroes, Inc. in Maximus' memory so other Heart Heroes can fly. The family would like to thank the staff at Children's Nebraska and Boston Children's Hospital for caring for Maximus. Special thanks to Frito who provided comfort and puppy snuggles and Seth The Sandwich Guy who provided kindness, had Maximus' sandwich order memorized, and was a kindred spirit.

Visitation Thursday, October 9th 9:30 to 11 a.m., Funeral Service at 11 a.m., at Good Shepherd Funeral Home- L Street Chapel.

Good Shepherd Funeral Home

4712 S 82nd St. Omaha, NE

402-505-9260