Steve Johnson, 74, formerly of Crawfordsville, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in Chetek, Wisconsin, after an illness.

Born to Clarence and Bessie Johnson on February 22, 1950, in Potosi, Missouri, he married Rebekah Ann Porter on May 10, 1969. Ann preceded him in death on May 1, 2005. Steve was then blessed to find love again with Martha Jean Hollinger; they married on July 8, 2006. He is survived by his wife Martha, his children, Tami (Lane) Sells, Jimmy (Leesa) Johnson, Dollie Johnson, Jeff (Gretchen) Anderson, ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, brother James (Jan) Johnson, sister Bonnie Eller, and many nieces and nephews.

Steve was the youngest of 12 children, the son of a preacher who was also a carpenter and a born storyteller. He inherited all of these traits from his father and used them well. He was a recovering hippy for most of his life and that’s what made him so fun. All his nieces and nephews called him the fun uncle. He was always able to give them advice and they would take it because it was wrapped up in humor and wit but at the center there was truth and scripture to back it. Steve’s warmth, humor, and gentle wisdom made him a masterful storyteller and Bible teacher. No yelling or thumping required—he simply laid out the passage, as only he could, and listeners, their hearts now aglow, were left with a deeper understanding of Scripture and God’s love. Steve’s great sense of adventure took him to mission fields both in Mexico and Africa. He made friends all over the world and witnessed many miracles.

As a master craftsman, Steve started out restoring antiques, then went into custom cabinets, then in later years honed his carving skills. He made beautiful custom pieces of furniture, small bowls, cutting boards, rolling pins, and all kinds of jewelry. He never met a piece of wood that he couldn’t make beautiful. In recent years he and Martha would take these pieces and sell them at local markets in Wisconsin near their home. In 2021, he published a book, Escape From Religiosity, which is a compilation of stories from his life along with a collection of sermons he taught over the years. Steve will be missed beyond measure, but loved ones are comforted knowing he’s now in the presence of the Savior whom he dedicated his life to serving.

Services for Steve will be December 20, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Crawfordsville, IN. Visitation will be from 12-2 pm with the funeral to follow at 2 pm. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Oasis of Hope Hospital.

Last Update: Dec 13, 2024 1:36 pm CST