Steven Darwin Johnson

Steven Darwin Johnson, 75, of Bemidji, MN died unexpectedly on December 14, 2022, at his home. Those that had the pleasure of knowing Steve knew that he would make time for anyone, loved to tell stories, fought for what he believed in and was the ultimate prankster who could make you laugh until you cry. Most importantly, he loved his family more than anything in the world.

Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday January 6, 2022 at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Steve was born August 6, 1947, to Art and Darlene (Ritchey) Johnson in Fergus Falls, MN. He lived in several homes in Fergus Falls graduating from Fergus Falls High School in 1965. He was employed by the Fergus Falls Daily Journal until 1968 when he was hired by Citizens Loan and Investment in Fergus Falls. He married the love of his life Kathryn Halvorson December 27, 1968, in Fergus Falls. Steve adored Kathy – during their nearly 54 years of marriage, Steve reminded Kathy of that often by leaving love notes for her throughout their house. In April 1970 they moved to Bemidji MN when Citizens Loan and Investment transferred him to be Manager of the Phoenix Budget Loan Office.

He worked for Phoenix Budget Loan as the manager until leaving there to join First National Bank of Cass Lake as Vice President in 1979 where he worked until 2003. He did contract work for area banks, Roseau Border State Bank and Bemidji’s Citizens State Bank until 2007. He then acted on a passion and formed a 501c3 as First American Financial Services to work with Leech Lake Housing Authority to help those in need of unconventional loans and counseling. In his spare time he drove for Hertz from 2006 until 2015. He worked for Knife River as a runner since 2014. And he drove for Enterprise and National/Alamo in 2015. He thoroughly enjoyed these part-time jobs and the people he worked with.

Steve served for six years in the US Army Reserve. Other jobs Steve had in his lifetime were delivering newspapers for the Fargo Forum and St. Paul newspapers, he was a turkey hanger at North Central Turkey Plant in Pelican Rapids, doing various audits for movies and stores. Steve and Kathy also owned Christmas Fantasy in Bemidji. They shared a passion for Christmas which they beautifully bring to life in their home every year for family and friends to enjoy.

Steve was an avid bowler from his youth until well into his adult years often bowling on up to three leagues a week. He played volleyball for about 25 years through the Community Education Program in Bemidji. In his South Lake Irving neighborhood, he enjoyed walking, tennis and picking up litter to keep it looking great. He served as Treasurer for the South Lake Irving Association from 2006 until 2012 and 2018 to 2021. He started playing poker with friends, neighbors and others expanding it to every other week. Born into a family of card players this was a natural transition and he really enjoyed it a lot.

He was very interested in politics and local projects. He was an avid paper clipper in that he saved every news article on subjects that interested him for future reference. Traveling and planning road trips was his favorite hobby. He could spend hours and hours looking over maps and travel brochures. His greatest joy in that area was traveling on motorcycle with his sons. Their yearly trips were the highlight of his year and he cherished the memories they created. In 2015 he successfully finished traveling to all 50 states, driving to 49.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Darlene (Ritchey) Johnson, in-laws, Bert and Alice Halvorson, and his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and several special friends. He is survived by his wife Kathy Johnson. Children Randy (Jody) Johnson, Brian (Jennifer) Johnson. Grandson, Jake Johnson and granddaughters, Taylor and Myla Johnson. Sister, Cindy Hauge, several nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins who were great friends. His friends and family would say he was the best friend anyone could have.

Steve loved deeply and cared about so many. He loved being a dad to his two sons and especially enjoyed his grandchildren, Jake, Taylor and Myla. Steve was one in a million who believed he had a wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking that donations be sent to fshdsociety.org in memory of Steve. Condolences may be left at olsonschwartzfuneralhome.com

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