Steven D Johnson

Steve Johnson, age 65, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2014 at his home in the care of his loving wife and family. Steve, a supreme lover and knower of all history, began his own historical journey on June 3, 1949 in Toledo, to Donald and Catherine (Fournier) Johnson. He graduated from Bowsher High School, studied history at the University of Toledo (“then called TU,” he would often say), and graced two Ancient Wonders of Toledo—Woolco’s and Southwick Mall—with many years of service. Later, he worked for seven years as the head custodian at Perrysburg High School, an institution he loved being a part of. He married Debra Fahrer in Las Vegas on October 20, 2003.

Steve was a man of kindness and virtue, of diverse interests and routines, of many opinions, beards and battle axes. He had an unmatched passion for collecting historical weaponry and memorabilia, complete with a “man cave” that could rival both a Medieval dungeon and a World War II bunker. He could tell you the history of the world if you wanted him to, often by employing his characteristic hobby, military gaming. A fixture at gaming conventions all about the Midwest, especially Fort Meigs, Steve had a true gift and love for painting miniature soldiers. He’d casually ask, “Hey, did I show you my new War of 1812 British Fencibles?” and before you could ask what “fencible” meant he was showing off his latest display of artistic genius with an infectious, youthful excitement.

Yet Steve was modest about his vast array of talent, insight and wisdom, which was by no means limited to historical fact. He could impart advice regarding life’s toughest mysteries and situations and he could do so in the gentlest, most amiable of ways—unless, of course, it involved grilling or the government. There were no better burgers than those of the juicy deals he’d find at Walmart and there was no better government than that of General George Washington and the Founding Fathers. Steve loved being a conservative American, probably even more than he loved being a general in his own right of the DVR, the DVD special feature, and the backyard coy pond. Steve was a huge fan of the Vikings, too. Not just those of the Scandinavian past, but those white, purple and gold warriors of Minnesota.

Most of all, Steve had a deep love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and as he enters the pages of history he will be incredibly missed and cherished by all who knew him.

Surviving Steve is his loving wife, Debra; children, Aaron (Sharon) Johnson; Christina (Robert) Harris; Jamie (Michael) Klear; Benjamin (Erin) Stansfield; Jacob Stansfield; grandchildren, Hunter; Hailey; Hayven; Kennedy; Robert; Bailey; Tate; Maggie; brothers, Jeffrey (Debby) Johnson; Douglas (Valerie) Johnson; niece and nephew, Rachel and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Catherine.

Friends and family will be received in the Neville Funeral Home, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland (419-865-8879) from 2-7 pm Wednesday, July 23, 2014. Funeral services will begin at 7 pm Wednesday evening with burial being private. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio, the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at nevillefuneralhome.com.