John "Tom" Johnson

John Thomas (Tom) Johnson, 78, was born July 14, 1947 to J. Warren and Ruth Johnson in Assam, India. Along with his two younger sisters Kris and Jorna, Tom grew up on the mission field, living in India until he came to Bethel College in the fall of 1964.

Tom met Eileen Schwartz in September of 1965 while at Bethel. Tom's roommate introduced them at breakfast in the Bodien dorm cafeteria. As Tom wrote on the card he gave to Eileen on their 59th anniversary the day before he died, "Breakfast in Bodien didn't turn out too bad after all!" They married June 17, 1967 in Isle, MN. Over the next 59 years, the two remained a rare example of true and committed love.

From 1966 until 1970, Tom served in the U.S. Air Force in Minot, North Dakota. It was there in August of 1969 that they welcomed their daughter, Kathy, into their family. Upon discharge, they moved to St. Paul, MN where Tom found a job at 3M. While working, he finished his business degree at the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota and continued at 3M until he retired.

Tom and Eileen's son Joel was welcomed into the family in 1974, and the family moved to Cottage Grove and eventually Woodbury, where Tom was very active in coaching and refereeing soccer, the sport he fell in love with during his childhood in India. From the beginning of their marriage, Tom and Eileen were always active in their church wherever they lived, most recently in Hutchinson and at New Life Church of Woodbury. Tom was a great teacher, Bible study leader, Awana leader, and mentor to many.

In 1996, Tom became "Grandpa" and he and Eileen have intentionally passed on their faith to their grandchildren and have encouraged and mentored others to do the same. Tom loved watching his grandkids grow and participate in whatever activity they were involved in. From band concerts to ball games, he was there. One year ago, he became a great grandpa and Cooper always brought a smile to his face and gave him a renewed passion to influence another generation.

He is preceded in death by his parents J. Warren and Ruth Johnson; infant brother; and niece Nikki. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 59 years, Eileen; children Kathy (Kent) Meyer, and Joel (Shannon); grandchildren Ben (Kalley), Max, Megan, and Jacob; great grandson Cooper; siblings Kris (Cal) Otto, and Jorna (Wendell) Christensen; and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

In Tom's last days at the hospital, he expressed three desires. To get home, to celebrate his wedding anniversary with Eileen and his family, and to eventually see Jesus. He was surrounded by his family as he peacefully went home to be with Jesus. He will be greatly missed by those he left behind and celebrated by those who he has joined in Heaven.

A service celebrating Tom's life will take place at New Life Church of Woodbury, 6758 Bailey Road, 55129, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation an hour prior.

Memorials received by the family will be used to support missionaries as they preach the Gospel around the world, per Tom's request.

Thank you for taking time to learn about Tom's life. He was a good man, a great husband, and a wonderful father who was a Godly example to all who knew him. We are grateful for all of your love and caring messages over these last few weeks. I am mostly grateful for my wonderful family. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

-Eileen