Deepest sympathies for the loss of Steve way too soon.  I met Steve in my role as a manufacturer of AEDs, in working with his colleague, Dr Roger White.  He was such a kind and easy going and gentle man.  I am very saddened, but know he is in God's hands now, so he is doing just fine! Just sad for the rest of us.

Dear Johnston family,

My memories of Steve date back to living in Tracy. I will always remember Steve as being one of the most thoughtful, considerate, caring and loving individuals that I ever had the pleasure of knowing. One of my brothers went to school with Steve. Knowing that Steve was very well educated and highly respected by his peers, gave me a sincere feeling of comfort when I also moved to Rochester. He personally helped me out on several occasions, and as indicated, he was very humble. Steve was by far the best contribution in the history of the Rochester Police Department, and will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family, friends and people that ever had the honor of meeting such a wonderful man. May he now rest in peace in the arms of our loving, and all forgiving God.

Kent Johnson

Dear Connie, Matthew, Jenna and Scott:

The Twin City Security office sits quiet and I expect Steve to walk in any moment. His notes, papers and files remain just he left them.  Every day he left a York Peppermint Patty on the desk for our mail carrier and the half full bag sits in his desk.  For a highly intelligent, motivated and honorable man, Steve was as plain as that old comfortable pair of tennis shoes you have been wearing for years.  No matter if you were the newest/lowest person on the seniority list or the most senior, highest ranking officer you got treated the same - with respect and dignity by Steve Johnston.  We would talk often and  Steve loved to talk about his children and yes, Walter!!   Steve loved working with people and serving the City of Rochester as a police officer.  I loved the story he told about why he become a police officer.  while still in high school Steve worked at a Dairy Queen in Tracy Minnesota on the night shift.  It was the only business in town that was open that late so the local police would hang out at the Dairy Queen and socialize with Steve.  When the Chief needed a part time officer he asked Steve.  He was too young to purchase ammunition or go into a bar but the chief saw in Steve something we all see. When hiring for Twin City Security, Steve said he was always looking for candidate's who had worked at a Dairy Queen.  Steve's life was cut way to short, he had a lot more to give.  We all miss him.

With my deepest sympathy,

Dean Mikel

To Connie and your family,

Seems it wasn't very long ago that our paths crossed after not seeing you for some time as we both dined at Beetles.  I was so happy to see you both that evening and kind of renew our friendship.  I just want you to know our hearts go out to you in your loss of Steve.  He was surely a great officer, exemplary in many ways, and did much more than I/We were aware of.  We know you were so proud of him and He loved you very much.  I know I was pleased to know what a genuinely nice man he was, and I enjoyed knowing you so much also Connie.  I know we spoke of your Father also. 

It doesn't appear as though we will be able to attend Steve's services as much as we would have liked to,  neither of us drive now and may not have an opportunity to get there.   Again, please know how much we care.  May our heavenly Father keep you close in your time of sorrow and loss.  Our prayers also.  Art and Helen Mueller   

To Connie and Steve's Family:

When I got the news that Steve had passed away that was a shock.  Having worked with Steve at Twin City Security I would have never thought this could happen.  I want to assure you that it was a pleasure and a grateful experience  getting to know Steve and work with him.  We joked and at times were serious and I loved to challenge him with questions.  That would bring out the cell phone.  At this crisis in life I want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.  Be sure to share and keep the memories that were created.   

My sympathy to the Johnston Family members.  I knew Steve since 1980 when I was in the FBI and assigned to the FBI Office in Rochester, Minnesota.  In latter years I served on a few Law Enforcement Interview Panels here in Rochester, Minnesota.  Steve was a Class Act as a Person and also as a Professional.  Rochester, Minnesota was well served by Steve.  God Bless....

Connie and family,

My sincerest condolences for the passing of your husband and father, and my friend, Steve. It was my honor to know him and to work with him for so many years. He surely will be missed by many people in Rochester, in Minnesota, and through his work with SCAA, throughout the country. 

All our best wishes,

Jim Pittenger 

Connie, I am so sorry and sad. My  thoughts, love and prayers are said for you and your family today, tomorrow and each day that follows.

Connie,

I am praying that God gives you the strength you and your family need at this difficult time.

The Johnston family,

My sincere condolences for your loss. Steve had played a vital part of my public safety career with his wisdom. integrity, and heart from my first days being in dispatch and assigned to the same platoon in 1984 until his retirement as chief deputy.

My deepest sympathy.

Deanna Outcalt

To the Johnston family,

I had the privilege of working with Steve for many years. He was such an honorable and decent man. I so appreciated the discussions we had when I needed help from a superior.

In my own retirement shadow box where my badges and such are displayed, there is a "coin" that Steve gave to me when I was going through a very difficult period in both my personal and professional life. The coin contains a beautiful inscription of a Bible verse that has so much meaning to anyone who seeks to serve others, and more importantly, seeks to serve the Lord. I don't know how Steve recognized that I was hurting so much, but he did.. His small gift to me and his words of encouragement were an incredible blessing. I will never forget the help he gave me...

Prayers to all of you !!!

John Laivell

Connie my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Steve will certainly be missed but what a legacy he left. I will keep you all in my prayers.

So sorry for your loss! Keeping you and the family in my prayers. May he rest in peace!

Maimouna

My heart goes out to all of steve's family. I have know him about a month. In that time he made me laugh and feel special. I am really sorry that I didn't get to know him better. He was a great guy and a special person. He will be missed truely. Much love in your time of grief. The world lost a great person but heaven gained a brilliant star and angel.

Michael J. Brøwn

Jen, Scott, Connie, Matthew and other family members --

We wanted to share our deepest sympathy with all of you for your loss.  What an amazing legacy he has left for many.

Please know that our prayers are with you all.  

With love,

Anna & Taylor

Dear Connie, My heart grieves for you and your family's loss. I wish I had words to ease the pain of this tragedy. I hope that the support from family and friends helps give you strength. I know how much you loved Steve. Always evident in the little conversations we share in the halls of SMH. Although I never met him, reading his obituary it is easy to tell that he was an incredible man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Chris gives his deepest regards too.  

Connie,

My heart goes out to you and your family. All of us here on 3MB were so very sad to hear the news of  your husbands sudden passing. May all the warmth and love you continuously show others, come back to you now when you need it most. You are in my thoughts and prayers dear lady.

Heidi

Dear Connie & family,

You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband/father. May you find comfort in sharing many fond memories of Steven. Know that your Mayo Clinic friends are here to support you during this difficult time.

Hugs sent your way,

Amy & Jim

Connie and Family

Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss. May the Lord give you courage and strength in this difficult time. Hugs to you Connie.

Dana

Connie and family,

Truly sorry to hear of your sudden loss.  I am lifting you all up in prayer.

Condolences,

Christopher

Connie and family,

i am so sorry to hear of your loss.  May all the wonderful memories help to heal your broken hearts.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers!  Hugs sent your way.

My thoughts and prayers are with you Connie and family.  Peace and blessings as you move forward with wonderful memories of Steve.

What is the definition of friendship? Its called Steve Johnston. I met Steve in 1974 at Mankato State University and we became very close friends. We would laugh and have lengthy discussions over a variety of topics. And I can still see Steve with a mischievous smile on his face. He will be sorely missed by his family and anybody who has had the opportunity to meet Steve.

I know that I am a better person when I strive to replicate some of his traits into myself. Steve was like a brother to me and we always had each others back. Life is not fair but nobody can take the memories that I have of my friend Steve away from me. Steve's family was built on love and faith and that it a precious gift to admire.

Take care Steve Johnston, we will meet again.. KLO339 10-42.

With whole hearted sympathies,

Gary Larson

Dear Connie and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss...I was stunned when I heard.  Prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.

Todd Williams

Connie and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Heather Miller

Connie and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. May you find some peace and comfort in the memories you all share. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!

(((HUGS))) to you Connie!

Tracy Barry

Connie and family, I am so very sorry to hear about the recent passing of your husband/dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Continue to remember his smile and laugh and keep those memories close to your heart.

Hugs - Tami

Dear Connie, Jenna, Matthew, Scott and the Johnston family  - we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's death, and are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this sad time. Helen & Michael and the O'Connor family 

Connie and family- Know we are thinking of you during this sad time. Steve was a special guy and a friend to all of us that knew him. God had to have a special reason to call Steve so early. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time. God bless you and give you strength.                                                       

Jeff & Gayette Fratzke

Dear Connie and family,

We are very shocked and saddened to hear your very sad news.  You all will be kept very close in our thoughts in prayers.

Wishing you strength and peace,

Don and Ann Flott

Dear Connie and family,

I was so sorry to hear of Steve's death. I survived sudden cardiac arrest in 2002 and had the opportunity to work with Steve many times on spreading the word on increasing survival rates. Steve's knowledge, commitment and passion were extraordinary. So many of us have benefitted from all he offered to our cause. He is the primary reason that Rochester's survival rates are so fantastic and his influence extended far beyond on the city of Rochester. Know that so many who have not met you are grieving along with you. He was an extraordinary man and will be remembered and missed.

Steve was such a wonderful man! He was so kind, humble, and generous. It was fun watching him with all of you. He loved you so much! We will all miss him. We love you!

Steve's? eyes would just light up when:

Talking about his family-he let you know how special they are.

Serving people in his community by offering compassion and leadership.

He overflowed from his Faith and it was beautiful to hear him convey it but more eloquent to see him treat everyone with warm interest and walk it out in planning a course to help more people; may it be a better policy or explaining the benefits of early defibrillation so more live could be saved.

Steve's a great example of a life well lived. May we all model more of his character as a legacy to Steve in knowing such a wonderful man.

May the God of ALL Comfort comfort you in your sorrow.

My condolences to the Johnston family.  Steve was my true associate in making this city safer for victims of cardiac arrest.  It is a painful irony to me personally that a cardiac arrest would take him away after all he did for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.  

It is sad to hear of your passing. You were a great guy. The Lord Bless and Keep your family and friends.

On behalf of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, our deepest condolences to all of Steve's family and friends.  He was instrumental in helping the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association in its infancy and was a highly valued member of our Board of Directors.  His insights and endearing personality will always be remembered.

I am so stunned to hear the news of Steve's passing.  Please know that the entire family is in my heartfelt prayers and thoughts.  Connie, my heart goes out to you in a special way. I know how much Steve loved you, as it was evident every time I saw the two of you. Please take extra good care of yourself.

Blessings & Peace,

Nancy Horvath

Dear Connie and family,

I was so shocked and sad to hear about Steves sudden death, I am so very sorry for your loss.

As you know, we are well-versed in the sudden and shocking loss of a beloved family member.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and if there is ever anything I can do for you I would help you in a second. We know that

life goes on for the ones left behind, but it is difficult to imagine how at first. I am thinking of you constantly.

With caring thoughts, Vicki

Very sorry for your loss. I was the program coordinator with Gold Cross when we started the RPD AED program in the 90's and I remember working with Steve, he was very professional, polite, and willing to do whatever we needed. His contributions to the program in it's earliest days helped may it what it is today. My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family.

To the family of Steven Johnston

Our deepest sympathy to you. Your memories will give you peace and comfort during this time of sorrow !

Tracy classmates of 1974

Don and Lanae Wilking 

Connie and family I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our family is praying the Lord's comfort to surround you at this difficult time!

May God give you many special memories of Steven as you look forward to your reunion with him in Heaven.

We are friends of Carol and Paul.

With sympathy,

Allan, Barb, Deborah Martin

Lake George, MN

Connie, 

My prayers go out to you and your family. Words cannot express the heartfelt sympathy to you. Sending love and hugs at this difficult time. May you find strength in God's promise to always be with you, to comfort and sustain you all.

Laurie Bach

Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time!

With sympathy-

Lori

I want to extend my condolences and sympathies to Connie and the family. I remember Steve's work with the AED's and his efforts to always honor those who had performed life saving work in the field with resuscitating those in cardiac arrest. He was the consummate professional and public servant. I always thought Steve set the example of what a superior law enforcement officer should be like.  I also enjoyed working with him at Autumn Ridge Church in ushering.  We have lost a wonderful person with his loss but it is Heaven's gain.

Connie, our hearts are breaking for you and your family. Know that you are in our prayers. Please take care of yourself. Sending peace and love to you all.

Sorry to hear about losing such a great man. Steve was a good person and contributed so much to the Rochester community. I enjoyed working with him at the PD. I'll never forget the time he tackled a guy who jumped the Records counter. Steve made sure we were all okay and acted like it was a typical day in the office. After that, he advocated for an enclosed counter and we got it shortly there after. What a good man! May he rest in peace. 

Steve was one of the most professional police officers I have ever dealt with.  He was always polite with us news reporters and went the "extra mile" to make sure we had all the information we needed.  I don't think I ever saw him upset about anything;  he was always thoughtful and had great insight into whatever issue came up.  He had a soft sense of humor and could take criticism and hand it out, but nothing personal - it was business.

Steve was a good man who left behind a program that has already saved dozens of people, including one of his fellow officers.

My condolences to Steve's family.  I'm thinking God had a good reason to call him home early.

RIP, Steve.  

I am so shocked and sorry to hear of Steve's sudden death.  My sincerest sympathy to the entire family.  You are in my prayers.  

I am sorry for your loss. Steve was a great man and I considered a good friend. I will miss him and the lunches that we would go on while at the Police Department. And even after he retired we have lunch with him. Again I am sorry for your loss.

i worked with Steve during my career at the Police Department. I am so sorry for your loss. Run to the Lords open arms while you grieve and seek his comfort. Never easy to have loved ines go before us but, it's a comfort that Steve knew the Lord. I pray for him and you in your time of loss.

Connie and family, 

We are shocked and very sad to hear about the loss of Steve. Please know that we are here for you and holding you in prayer during this very difficult time. Mary, Jeff and Evan Bennett