Kenneth Johann Johannson
Monday, October 6, 1930
Date of Death:
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Age:
88 years old
Monday, October 6, 1930
Date of Death:
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Age:
88 years old
Monday, October 6, 1930
Date of Death:
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Age:
88 years old
Kenneth Johann Johannson
Ken Johannson, 88, Rochester MN and Naples FL, peacefully departed life on November 27, 2018. He was born October 6, 1930 in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. He attended the University of North Dakota. He was a two-sport, Hall of Fame athlete in football and hockey – proudly wearing the North Dakota Fighting Sioux sweater. After playing professional hockey in England and Switzerland, Ken moved to Milwaukee, WI to work for P&G – selling Crest toothpaste. Ken met his soulmate Marietta Sands, on a blind date. They married in 1958 and shared 52 years of wonderful life. Ken and Marietta raised three children – Judy, John and Jim.
Hockey brought Ken to Rochester, Minnesota in 1959, but the Mayo Clinic kept him there. Ken worked as an Administrator at Mayo Clinic for 34 years – an institution which he always held in great esteem. He became a naturalized US citizen in 1961 and proudly played for the US National Hockey team in the 1962 and 1966 World Championships. Ken felt very strongly about giving back to your community – his avenue and expertise was hockey. He founded the Rochester Youth Hockey Foundation amongst the endless hours of coaching, teaching and running hockey camps. Ken had found his passion to share with youth of all ages.
Ken acted as the first National Coaching Director for USA Hockey in the 1970’s and authored the First USA Hockey Coaching Manual. He later served in management positions for USA Hockey, including General Manager of the 1979 World Championship team (Moscow, Russia). He was also the original General Manager of the 1980 US Olympic team, prior to the Olympic Games.
Ken enjoyed life to the fullest and he had a penchant for bringing out the best in people and making sure everyone had a great time. Becoming a “snow bird” to Naples, FL in 1992, he was able to elevate his tennis game and his circle of friends increased exponentially.
Ken is survived by Judy (Judd) Stevenson – Neenah, WI, John (Margarita) Johannson-Minneapolis, MN and Abigail Tompkins Johannson – Colorado Springs, CO. The next generation includes seven grandchildren, Tyler Stevenson-Milwaukee, WI, Taylor Stevenson-Minneapolis, MN, Johnny, Matias, Anna and Daniela Johannson-Minneapolis, MN, and Eleanor Johannson-Colorado Springs, CO. He has numerous loving nieces and nephews. 2018 has been a cruel year for our family – we lost our youngest brother, Jim Johannson, suddenly in January. Ken was also very close to his sister, Margaret Williams from Wales, England. Although separated by the ocean, they both passed away on the same day within hours of each other. They were the last surviving members of their immediate family.
It was Ken’s wish to have a celebration of his life. A visitation and celebration will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 5th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN on Wednesday, December 5th with the visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. and the memorial service commencing at 2:00 p.m. A reception and opportunity to share stories will follow the service. Officiating will be Pastor Elizabeth Macaulay.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends a donation to the Jim Johannson Legacy fund at USA Hockey. The direct link to donate is www.usahockeyfoundation.com/jj
Alternatively, donations may be mailed to: Jim Johannson Legacy Fund, The USA Hockey Foundation, 1775 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Or memorials are encouraged in support of a charity of your choice.
Condolences
The family of Kenneth Johann Johannson has received the following condolences.
I just learned of Mr. Johannson's passing in the January USA Hockey Magazine. I wish I had the opportunity to pay my respects at his service. He certainly had an impact on my life as a youth hockey player in Rochester. His passion for hockey has been passed on to multiple generations. He gave so much to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester hockey and USA hockey. More importantly he had a great family. I am happy that he was able to attend Jim's induction into the UW Hall of Fame My sincere condolences to the family.
Ken was good friend and neighbor on Durand Court for many years. I always enjoyed visits with Ken and his wife.
Talking hockey with Ken was always fun.
I will miss him
Randy Frey
Dear Johannson family, We are so very sorry to learn of Ken's recent death. He was the kindest of men and a good friend to many. Ken and I played handball at the Rochester
YMCA for many years and I have fond memories of our times together. He will always be remembered with a smile. Joy and I send our condolences to your entire family.
Mike Fogarty
I met Ken when he was staying at my Grandmothers home. He is the one who got me interested in hockey which I played in the youth hockey. My last game I scored 3 goals (hat trick) and I thought I would be rewarded a hat. So much for the name. Please except my condolences for your loss !
Dear John & Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father Ken...a true legend and a giant of a man. Of all places, I read about it in the Grand Forks Herald. Johnny, I shared this with you a couple of years ago. While attending a Sioux game at the Ralph, I spotted a plaque honoring your father's career. I never knew his full hockey legacy. He and all of those other influential hockey people in Rochester never talked about their past accomplishments. They were more focused on helping aspiring young hockey players recognize their own. Your father ranks as one of the most influential people in my life, but when I was really young I don't mind admitting that he scared the hell out of me. I remember him asking me to make a cup of hot chocolate for him while I was helping out at a hockey camp. I don't think I made it hot enough for his liking and he gave me that Ken Johannson scowl that masked a smile. I always enjoyed the times when your dad would join us in a scrimmage or shinny game, teaching the hidden art of "clutching and grabbing"!
It goes without saying that 2018 has been a difficult year for the Johannson family with the passing of two special people. But you just know that Jim and Ken are organizing some kind of hockey league/school in heaven. would you expect anything differently?
Take Care John and Judy. You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Todd Wentworth - Duluth Minnesota
Judie, I was so sorry to read about your Dad's passing. He was a wonderful, thoughtful and kind gentleman. I felt honored to have his as a friend here at Glencove. He was missed at the pool and spa after moving to his new condo which I heard he so enjoyed. I missed you also. I do hope all the good memories will be a comfort at this difficult time. Fondly, Cathy
Your dad was my first coach. He was Rochester's first coach. He is a legend and I will never forget him. p.s. best skate sharpener in the business (50 cents)
Love, Todd Young and family
“There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go.” Author Unknown
John and family - I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing and know that the love of those around you will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Mr. Johannson meant so much to the hockey program at Lourdes High School. He was the first hockey coach at Lourdes High School in 1970 and we were so lucky to have him start the team. Some of my favorite memories were of early morning practices when Ken would bring Johnny and Jimmy to skate with us and basically show us the drills. The first LHS hockey team also provide Ken with plenty of opportunities to laugh. He had a great laugh and taught so many kids to have fun on the ice. Thank you Mr. Johannson for inspiring in me and countless others our love for the great game of hockey.
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a great man who did so much for the community and the game of hockey around the world. He will be missed, but lived life to the fullest. We will be supporting The Jim Johannson Foundation in your father’s name. Our prayers are with you & your family in these coming days. Karin & Phil
Mr. Johannson was a hockey icon in Rochester. I first knew of him when he played for the Rochester Mustangs in the 60's. He became the head coach of the first Lourdes High School hockey team in 1970. But most of all he was a great guy with a zest for life. I am thankful and fortunate to have known him. Savor the many memories of this fine man.
We are saddened by our good friend's passing. Ken will be missed. Ken will not be forgotten. We are so thankful that Ken was part of our lives for over 20 years. Our tennis group will never be the same even though he will always be with us on the court.
We love you Ken,
Ed
Ken was a true gentleman and one of the kindest persons ever. He was a great storyteller and had a laugh that was infectious. Jim and his twin brother John Nord benefited from his skating skills when he attended UND. They were little and Kenny would take them skating! It was the start of a long lifetime friendship! May God bless the Johannson family!
Melody & Jim Nord
Thoughts and loving prayers to the Johannson family! Sincere condolences on your loss of a great man who left an amazing legacy of service and kindness to others.
Dear John, Judy and family,
Your Dad had such an impact on so many of us, and I hope you’ll always cherish that memory among many others as you reflect on his life. Virtually all of us who played hockey in Rochester over many many years owe a debt of gratitude to Ken, even if some of us didn’t experience his influence first-hand. All Lourdes players, countless numbers of us who improved through his hockey schools and so many others grew from his commitment to giving back. I also had the honor of being a work colleague foe many years. His smile, laugh and “hi Korsy” greeting are among the cherished memories I’ll always hold of your Dad.
You are in my thoughts and prayers
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ken. He was always a great Leader, Coach and great person in Rochester. I will always remember the hockey camps he put on as a youth hockey player in town. My condolences to the family.
Sad to hear of Ken's passing. He was a key person in our little neighborhood. He will be missed.
John and family - my condolences to you and your entire family on the passing of Ken. May the Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow.
I always fondly remember your parents meeting you and Jimmy after games in Minneapolis. I still see you both and them sitting at the smallest table along the wall in the team meeting room - to grab a few moments together!
I pray Christ Jesus hold and comfort you in the time ahead.
Dan
May God bless and keep you and your family in his care now and forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave, Terri, & Brendan