Stephen K. Johnson

Stephen K. Johnson, 71 of Elkhart, passed away December 21, 2013 at Greenleaf Living Center.

He was born January 8, 1942 in Elkhart to Irvin K. and Ernestine (Thorpe) Johnson. Surviving are 2 sons, Keith M. (Hannah Tindal) of Chicago and Lad S. (Katie) Johnson of St. Petersburg, FL; a grandson Isaac Johnson, 2 brothers, Roger (Susan) Johnson of Alexandria, MN and David (Donna) Johnson of Elkhart; nephew, Wes (Andrea) Maier, great-nephew, Thomas Maier, uncle and aunt, Ray (Susie) Reas and his good friend Mary Spruitenburg. He was preceded in death by a sister, Janice Maier, a brother, Thomas Johnson and his parents.

Steve graduated from Concord High School in 1960 and earned his undergraduate from North Central College in 1964 and his Masters degree from Indiana University. Steve was a teacher and basketball coach at Concord High School from 1968-1972. He then coached Batesville High School for 2 years before coming to Elkhart Memorial High School from 1978-1983. He left for private business and then returned to Memorial from 1994-2006. He also served as an assistant under Homer Drew at Valparaiso from 1990-1994. Steve was also director of the Camp Winaukee Basketball Camp for 20 years. He retired as an instructor at the Midwest Basketball Academy.

Steve was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, Mentor, Coach, Teacher, and Role Model. His influence extended to both the classroom and basketball court. He was positive, encouraging, supportive, and always prepared to win. He believed and lead by his coaching motto: “MTXE” Mental Toughness Extra Effort. One of the things that brought him great joy was spending time with his grandson, Issac.

Visitation for Steve will be from 10 am to 1 pm Friday, Dec. 27th at Granger Community Church, Elkhart Campus, where funeral services will be held at 1 pm Friday. Pastor Gene Troyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery after a procession past the south side of Northside Gym.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Granger Community Church, Elkhart Campus. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral & Cremation Center is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.