Steven Johnson

Steve Johnson, Age 72. 

Steve passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 3, 2025. Born on October 17, 1952, in Cloquet, MN, he was the son of Delores M. Johnson and William B. Johnson. A native of Scanlon, Steve played every sport in every season with a great crew of friends. He graduated from Cloquet High School in 1970, excelling academically and playing baseball both in school and in various local leagues.

Steve attended Ripon College in Wisconsin, earning both history and mathematics degrees with honors in 1974. He proudly pitched for the Ripon baseball team and treasured the lifelong friendships with his Phi Delta Theta brothers. He later pursued an accounting degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth, again graduating with honors.

Steve built a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades at Olsen Thielen, where he served as a CPA and ultimately became an audit partner. One of the most meaningful parts of his work was mentoring new staff - he was always about people.

Though quiet and unassuming, Steve was intentional in building deep friendships. His circle of friends was more accurately many circles - childhood and neighborhood friends, high school and college classmates, teammates, colleagues, and his golf community. Time spent with Steve meant enjoying his playful sense of humor, his love of sports, his passion for music, and his genuine interest in the lives of others. In return, his quick wit and signature cheeky grin never failed to make you smile.

In midlife, Steve enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing, coaching youth baseball and softball, nature walks, and increasingly, the game of golf. He shared that love of golf with his wife, Kris, his daughter, Nicole, and countless others.

Steve is remembered by friends and family as someone who truly enriched the lives of those around him. He listened closely, cared deeply, and always showed up when it mattered. Above all, it was clear to all who knew him how special his bond was with his daughter, Nicole, and how deeply he loved and supported his wife, Kris. He will be forever missed.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Kris Johnson; his beloved daughter, Nicole Kulus (Tom); sister, Cindy Johnson (Vic Thorstenson); brother, Christopher W. Johnson (Therese Swanstrom); many in-laws; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathi E. Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be planned this fall, where friends and family can gather to share stories and remember Steve. Information on the Celebration of Life will be updated on this page by early-September.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following:
Ripon College
https://ripon.edu/give/
Villanova University, Villanova University 
https://give.villanova.edu/campaigns/36916/donations/new?a=6752888
World Wildlife Fund
https://protect.worldwildlife.org/page/52883/donate/1 en_og_source=Web_Donation&ea.tracking.id=Web_Topnav&supporter.appealCode=AWE2402OQ18336A06078RX.