Memories of Rev. Dean M. Johnson | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Rev. Dean M. Johnson

Coon Rapids, MN, USA

July 26, 1937 - July 9, 2021

Jul 26, 1937 - Jul 9, 2021

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Tim Johnson

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Comments:

Tim Johnson

Really missing Dad today. I miss talks with him, just the time to be able to listen to his thoughts and ... Read more Really missing Dad today. I miss talks with him, just the time to be able to listen to his thoughts and insights. We used to... Read more Really missing Dad today. I miss talks with him, just... Read more

Ruth Lipka

I missed posting something yesterday. I am happy that Larry and he are together in heaven but I really miss them both. Would love to be able to talk to Dean. His legacy still lives on in the lives of so many people that he touched. I pray for you all weekly. Love to all of you children and grandchildren.

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Ruth Lipka

2022

My heart is heavy and at the same time joyful today thinking of my dear brother and the ministry he had with countless people throughout his life. It blessed my heart to read the comments and see how he encouraged so many and always gave of his time freely to help others. Not only did he help so many in their walk with the Lord but also helped physically in whatever they might have needed. He truly loved the Lord. The most important and significant things was that he lived what he preached and taught. No matter what the situation, Dean was quiet, humble, loving and yet firm in following God's Word. Today on his second birthday in heaven I am thankful for him and his testimony. My prayer is for his dear wife, Barb, and his children who miss him so much, as well as everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Happy Second Birthday in heaven with the Savior you loved and served so well.

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Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Comments:

Becky Mackey

Thanks for remembering Dad on his birthday, Aunt Ruth! Thanks for remembering Dad on his birthday, Aunt Ruth! Thanks for remembering Dad on his birthday, Aunt Ruth!... Read more

Please consider a gift to Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church, North Central District Association of the Evangelical Free Church of America or United World Mission.

$900.00

Raised by 7 people

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Jacob Cheriyan

I met Pastor Dean Johnson in Ames, Iowa, while studying for a master’s in engineering. Ames is a college town, with many internationals, and all who attended Pastor Dean’s church, held him in the highest regard. I remember the adult Sunday school were Pastor Dean taught the history of the Free Church. Pastor Dean took all questions seriously. If he didn’t know the answer, he would study and get back the next Sunday. I remember Evening Services where Pastor Dean took prayer requests with the same seriousness, listening attentively to even little children’s requests, before upholding all requests in prayer.

Dean was not overbearing, with a deep love of Scriptures, which he faithfully studied and shared each week.

Dean, because you were faithful, my life is different.

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Tim Johnson

Floyd Vander Stoep

Dear Johnson family,

I knew Dean from the EFC church in Ames, IA, when I attended ISU. He invited me to a weekly morning small group on hermeneutics. I had recently come out of a tough church situation and Dean knew that I needed some encouragement. 45 years later I am still enjoying the benefits of him helping me to be grounded in God's Word and not circumstances or personalities. Thank- you Lord for using Dean to encourage me to stay in step with you and not fall into self pity/ depression!

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Jodi Kawagoe

Tim Johnson

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Dave Linde

A Tribute to Dean Johnson
Rev. Dave Linde
North Central District, EFCA
July 2021

(Having been out of town on the day of Dean's funeral, I sat down a few days later to capture some of my memories....)

I first got to know Dean Johnson twenty years ago when I was first hired as a part-time ministry assistant with the North Central District of The Evangelical Free Church of America. From the first he welcomed me as a colleague and co-laborer. Though I was almost twenty years younger than he, and though I had had no previous formal experience in the EFCA, Dean readily drew me into the circle of fellowship and work with district staff, churches, and pastors.

He thus became a mentor to me. He was a year away from retirement and was in the midst of an intentional transition to a new district superintendent. That year—his last and my first—was a time of my learning the basic ropes of district ministry from him. It was also a time of observing in him a combination of attitudes, traits, and skills that were foundational to much more than district ministry. They landed on me not only as a minister but, more importantly, as a believer, a follower of Jesus, a member of his church. Dean did not just rub off on me vocationally; he rubbed off on me personally. Here are some of those features of Dean.

Humility. Dean was truly humble. He had a sound view of himself. He was not arrogant or unteachable. He did not force his way on others. He took to heart the truths of Scripture about God and human beings and sin and a life of holiness. He lived with an honest view of his own weaknesses, was quick to seek forgiveness when necessary, did not feel a need to promote himself.

God-centeredness. The primary reason, I believe, that Dean was truly humble is that he had a God-centered view of life and ministry. He knew Jesus Christ personally and worshiped him authentically. He did not just know about God; he knew God and took joy in God and invited others to enter into that intimate knowledge and joy. This was the axis around which his life turned.

Scripture. Dean was not just Biblically correct, Biblically informed, Biblically knowledgeable. He lived and moved in the Scriptures and let them soak into his life. He lived under the Scriptures, wanting them to control him, not the other way around. He engaged the truth intellectually, affectively, and behaviorally. He was a lifelong student of the Word, constantly posing questions, seeking answers, writing down insights, and eager to engage in Biblical interaction with others for the purpose of true holiness.

Sympathy. Dean loved the church and the believers who make up the church. He cared about people. He sympathized with their pain, their struggles, their problems and challenges. When he addressed church issues, small or large, pleasant or painful, it was with a spirit of love and sympathy.

Courage. Dean did not quail from addressing difficult issues in churches. He was gentle and kind, but forthright and determined to help people see and walk in Christ’s way.

Good judgment. Dean was sensible. He was not reactive or defensive. He did not let inner issues or circumstantial dynamics affect his decisions and course of action adversely. He considered various factors when he made decisions. He was sensitive to relational dynamics, organizational dynamics, and longer-range perspective. He understood policy and exceptions. He did not minimize nor over-crucialize. He had common sense informed by his overall maturity. It made quite an impression on me.

Idealism and realism. Dean engaged in a lot of thought and planning on the level of philosophy and values and objectives and principles and strategies. He saw the design of Christ’s church in Scripture and he loved what he saw. He longed for that ideal to be lived out by the Free Churches whom he served. At the same time, he was thoroughly realistic. He was patient with weaknesses and failures. He persevered amid distortions of the church, mistreatment of the church, misbehavior by the church, and the obscuring of the glory of Christ in the church. He always knew it was Christ’s church, not his. He bowed before the mysterious sovereignty of Christ in allowing his bride to mishandled and dirtied, and he trusted the mysterious sovereignty of Christ to use these grievous realities in his sanctifying purposes. At times he sorrowed, was angry, shook his head, but he kept on faithfully serving in the trenches of reality while guided by the never-failing beauty of Christ’s ideals.

Function and form. Dean understood and valued the distinction between the what that Scripture commands, and the how of putting it into practice. The former (function) is non-negotiable; the latter (form) is highly flexible. Keeping this distinction in mind allowed Dean to bore in on what was truly important and to give lots of latitude in what was flexible. In fact, one of the things I appreciated most about Dean was that he appreciated and supported both traditional and non-traditional forms of ministry and church life. He did not deconstruct the former and he did not resist the latter. He believed Christ was present through his Holy Spirit in both “lanes of the highway.” He was free to honor the familiar and to venture into the unfamiliar. This made a lasting impression on me.

Simplicity. For all of the complicated situations Dean had to deal with as district superintendent; for all his diverse skills in carrying out that ministry; for all his intricate engaging with Scripture and its implications—Dean struck me as a wonderfully simple man. Simple as in not needing a lot; as in being content with a few basic realities of life; as in not being hard to get to know or understand; as in not being distracted and pushed in all kinds of directions. There was an established purpose and joy and love about Dean that were unalloyed and easily shared with those who wanted to get in on it. It was my pleasure and blessing to be a beneficiary of that.

These features (and more) of Dean Johnson, by God’s grace, had wide-ranging effects, bore wide-ranging fruit. It was my privilege to see and experience that fruit for the next twenty years in the North Central District. Dean built a foundation, set a tone, shaped a trajectory, cultivated values that lasted far beyond his tenure. They continue today to influence in powerful ways the pastors, churches, and staff of the NCD. They have marked me, and I am grateful to God for the life of Dean Johnson.

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Becky Mackey

Rick Mackey

Tim Johnson

Comments:

Jodi Kawagoe

Thank you for this beautiful tribute to my father! Thank you for this beautiful tribute to my father! Thank you for this beautiful tribute to my father!

Ruth Lipka

Loved reading this because I know it is true. Although I am his baby sister and didn't have the privilege... Read more Loved reading this because I know it is true. Although I am his baby sister and didn't have the privilege of living near Dean ... Read more Loved reading this because I know it is true. Although... Read more

Bonnie Bear

Such an articulate, thoughtful tribute for my brother, Dean. Thank you! I endorse everything you shared... Read more Such an articulate, thoughtful tribute for my brother, Dean. Thank you! I endorse everything you shared and made a copy of ... Read more Such an articulate, thoughtful tribute for my brother,... Read more

Kerry Brannan

After having Dean as our Pastor in Ames, IA, before he went north to the North Central District, I just want to say that we thoroughly enjoyed his teaching and his tender and encouraging heart. While I can't say that I remember lots of specific things from his teachings during those years, I DO remember (for some strange reason) a comment that he made during a sermon, "Anyone who owns a home, does NOT need another full-time job!". I probably remember that because we had just purchased our first small home during that time. That was TRUTH! Along with the love for God's Word....sweet and warm memories. So sad for your loss.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Kirk Kawagoe

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Jodi Kawagoe

Gary Hanson

It is hard to find the words to adequately describe the sheer magnitude of impact Dean Johnson has had on my life. For more than 30 years I have known Dean as my mentor, confidant, spiritual director, and dear friend. Dean is a unique combination of scholarly biblical wisdom, compassionate pastor’s heart, and at the same time, one of the most truly humble men I have ever known. There are few individuals who more deserve to hear the phrase, which I know Dean just recently heard from his precious Savior, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Melissa Soderquist

Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church, 128th Avenue Northwest, Minneapolis, MN, USA

The first time I heard of Dean Johnson was when I found out he was going to be our interim pastor at CREF church. I almost cried that God would send us someone so qualified and that there was someone willing to take on the job! And what a great job he did! Later, when he and Barb came back to our church I got reacquainted through prayer meetings. Not only was he concerned for others but he acted on that concern. What a team he and Barb made. So sad he is not here with her and the rest of the family. So happy for him that he is with Jesus.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Dave, Jill, & Denise Pavlenko

Our family was very sadden when we heard about Pastor Dean's passing away. We remember all the times he supported, counseled, and encouraged us during hard times and celebrated with us during the great times. Barb, too, was often at his side and a source of encouragement and support as well. We will miss him greatly, and our prayers to Barb and the family. That God would comfort and strengthen them as they go through this hard and difficult time in their lives.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Rick and Lynette VanSoest

Dean was a wonderful example of faithfulness to our Lord and His kingdom.
He served with grace and humility to countless people throughout his ministry and in his private life. Thank you Dean and family for being a part of our lives.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Raymond Jarosik

Marge and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Pastor Dean in this world. But we know that we will see him again walking on streets of gold. I am sure that his "crown" in heaven is pretty heavy due to the people that he touched down here on earth and the impact that his life has made is so many people, including myself. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. P.Ray and Marge

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Virginia Bradley

Barb, I don't think I ever met Dean in person, but for a few years the two of you gave gifts for my ministry with Wycliffe Bible Translators. May God be with you as you learn to live without Dean, and may He comfort you as only He can. May your memorial service be a time of blessing as you recall his life. How good that he lived to the glory of your Lord. (Ginny, second daughter of Marion, your mother's sister.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Tim Johnson

Sonya Bjornrud

Dean met with and overflowed Jesus' grace and encouragement into my husband Lon for 13 years. It has shaped who Lon is-- which has impacted our family and church immeasurably. Dean also shared God's Word with our church (Living Hope) many many times, and he was much loved by our congregation. He would lower his head, clear his throat, and say something with great humility and vulnerability, or offer a challenge to the church. When he spoke, people listened.... myself included. However, my favorite memories with Dean are our one-on-one conversations. He had a twinkle in his eye and often said something unexpected. He was one of my favorites. Much love to Barb and family...thank you for sharing Dean with us. What a ripple effect his life has had. Praise God for the gift Dean was to us!

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Ruth Lipka

Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Barb and Guy Hugo

We remember Dean with fondness. We remember him especially as superintendent of North Central District and for fill-in preaching at First Free in Minneapolis.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Janice and Steve Johnson

Bass lake cabin

One of my favorite memories with just Dean and I is tree trimming. We both worked on the main 'yard' trimming all the deadlines off the trees, mostly pine. We both liked to use the tools. He had an electric pole saw I coveted 😄We both agreed the hard work was well worth it. You could see through and see the lake again after years of looking through dead branches. There wasn't a tree at the cabin that Dean couldn't tackle. Steve and Dean took down a tree that didn't go where they wanted it to but they still figured it out and got it down.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Ronn Johnson

Dean gave me the ultimate compliment of taking my personal relationship and journey with the Lord seriously. One of my best memories with Dean was meeting with him for an hour each week when he was the interim pastor at CREF. Our conversation went everywhere…and by the end of the hour almost without fail we were amazed at God’s goodness to each other and with where He had brought us. May God bless Dean’s family in these hard days to come. I will miss this truly great man.

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Jodi Kawagoe

Becky Mackey

Becky Mackey

Shared a heart

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Jodi Kawagoe

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Please consider a gift to Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church, North Central District Association of the Evangelical Free Church of America or United World Mission.

$900.00

Raised by 7 people

Learn more & give

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Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Dean's family or funeral.

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Created with love by Jodi Kawagoe (Dean's daughter) and Becky Mackey (Dean's daughter).

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