Obituary of Jeffrey Frank Johnson

Jeff F. Johnson, age 62 of Isanti, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 18, 2018.

            Jeffrey Frank was born on July 8, 1956 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He grew up in Cambridge, the son of George W. and Shirley (Viel) Johnson and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1974.  He continued working for his father at the family furniture store and then attended Northwestern College in St. Paul.  Jeff felt drawn to an adventure over the road and began driving truck all over the country.  He spent a few years working the oil fields in North Dakota and with every adventure he made many friends.  More recently he chose to stay closer to home and was driving for LaPage and Sons.  He had really been enjoying his time there.

            In May 1979, Jeff was on a ride-along with a deputy friend.  They responded to a break-in and while there, Jeff struck up a conversation with a lovely English woman at the scene.  He invited her out for supper and the rest is history!  Jeff married the love of his life, Jan Luke, on October 4, 1980.  They made their home in the Cambridge/Isanti area.

            Jeff and Janet’s love for adventure made them a perfect pair.  They didn’t wait until retirement to enjoy countless camping trips up north, traveling, driving their ATV’s, and horseback riding.  Jeff loved to share stories.  He knew everybody by name and made them feel that each were his very best friend.  This loud, gregarious, larger than life man had a tender heart and giving spirit.  He made an impact on all who knew him.

            Jeff was an absolutely “famous” uncle! The party didn’t start until Uncle Jeff was there.  God had a beautiful plan in mind when 8 years ago He brought Thomas Haugen into the neighborhood.  Thomas and Jeff became quick friends and were like father and son.  Thomas, his wife, Colleen, and their son, Thomas John became family.  The real meaning of family was taught to Jeff by his parents from an early age, but Jeff felt blessed to be given the opportunity to continue this legacy with the Haugens.

            He was preceded in death by his father, George, in 2016; and his mother, Shirley, just 8 days before his own death.

            Jeff will be deeply missed by his wife, Jan; his adopted son, Thomas (Colleen) Haugen; adopted grandson, Thomas John Haugen; brother, Tim (Molly) Johnson of New Brighton; sister, Maggie (Mark) Anderson of Arden Hills; brother-in-law, John (Jill) Luke of Nottinghamshire, England; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

            A Celebration of Jeff’s Life will be held at 7PM, Monday, July 30, 2018 at New Hope Community Church in Cambridge with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to New Hope Community Church.