Theodore Carl Johns

January 27, 1939 – September 19, 2021

Theodore Johns, age 82, after a long courageous struggle with Parkinson’s disease, died with his family at his side on Sunday, September 19, 2021.

Ted was born in Bismarck, ND on January 27, 1939 to Lucile and G.A. Johns.  He was the fourth of eight children growing up in Bismarck, ND and Mankato, MN where he graduated from high school.  He loved sports, tennis in particular – a game at which he excelled his whole life.  Music and faith were the heart of the Johns family.  

Ted met his wife of 59 years, Marietta, at Gustavus Adolphus College.  It was there where they met and developed numerous life-long friends.  They were married on June 3, 1962.  Ted received his Master of Divinity from Augustana Lutheran Seminary.  

Upon ordination, they moved to Stoughton, MA where he took his first call and developed a new mission church.   Over the next many decades, Ted served in the United State Army as a Chaplain, and in congregations in Phoenix, AZ, Minneapolis, MN, Houston, TX, London, England and San Diego, CA. 

Ted was a man of spiritual strength and found his calling to serve from his intense desire to help others.   He spent his life giving back and doing his part to improve our world.  He worked in numerous philanthropic organizations.  He had an intense love for local organizations – of which, being a Rotarian and a member of AA were among the most important.   He traveled the globe helping the poorest of the poor in third world countries.  Authentic, genuine, and caring were words often used to describe Ted.  He had an infectious smile, positive attitude and listening ear.  He paid keen attention and remembered always the fine details of other’s lives.  He truly was a humble servant of God.  

Faith and family have been the pinnacle of Ted’s life.  He loved nature and spending time soaking in the sun wherever he was, especially at his lake house in TX.   He was an avid reader and historian, and he loved to play cards and games.  He sang in numerous choirs appreciating and enjoying music his whole life.   Above all, he cherished special time spent with those he loved.  

He will be fondly remembered and loved by his wife, Marietta, his daughters, Kristin Young and Karin Hausman (James), and his son, Derek Johns (Melissa).  He will always be remembered as Pops by his beloved grandchildren, Erik Young (Jessica), Katie Young, Brian Hausman (Elizabeth), Hanna Hausman (Braden), Travis Hausman, Marietta Johns, Annika Johns, and Eva Johns.  He was eagerly and joyously awaiting the birth of his first great grandchild, Judah Obadiah Young due on September 23rd.  He has many people in his extended family who have survived him—brothers and sisters, Paul Johns, Peace Finlayson (Dick), Dan Johns (Jane), Mary Miller, Phil Johns (Jane), Ruth Niemi (Jack), Gretchen Estergren, Louis Bittrich and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his father, mother and baby sister.  

Our heartfelt thanks go to all of Ted’s doctors and a special thanks to Home Instead and their caregivers for their countless hours of loving care. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 8, 2021 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 13724 W. Meeker Blvd. Sun City West, AZ 85375.  Ted’s wish was for everyone to wear something colorful and bright.  In lieu of flowers or food, memorial gifts can be made to: 

Benevilla – an organization supporting Parkinson’s disease - Checks may be sent to Benevilla, PO Box 8450, Surprise, AZ 85374.  Please write Ted Johns Memorial Fund in the check memo.  Gifts may also be given online www.benevilla.org/donate/ .

Colonnade Scholarship Fund - Checks should be made out to Sun Health Foundation, The Sun Health Foundation, Colonnade Scholarship Fund, 14719 W. Grand Avenue, Surprise, AZ 85374.  Please write In Memory of Ted Johns in the check memo.