Maynard H. Johnson

Leavenworth, WA

After 81 years of incredible living, Maynard H. Johnson died peacefully in his home, having been lovingly cared for by his wife, Jan, daughter, Linnea, and friend, David Harvill. He was born May 9, 1930, in Sioux City, IA to Harold and Mae (Valentine) Johnson, the first of three children. He grew up in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Montana, working as a farm hand on several farms. He graduated from high school at Washington Park High School in Racine, WI. He was a veteran and trained as a pilot at the close of WWII. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree. He obtained a Master of Music from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Maynard worked as a musician, playing piano and pipe organ in numerous churches, as well as singing basso profundo with the St. Olaf Choir, and singing and recording with the Robert Shaw Chorale. He was the original radio voice for the "Jolly Green Giant" in Minneapolis. He achieved the status of Journeyman Printer by the age of 17, later serving as Vice-President at North Central Publishing in St. Paul, MN, before opening his own print shop in Stillwater, MN. He served as Minister of Music at Elim Church, Scandia, MN, where he built and played the pipe organ. He was also active in the National Ski Patrol. He attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary, graduating with a Master's of Divinity, and was ordained a Lutheran Pastor in 1983. He was Pastor at Holden Village, WA (1979 to 1984), and for the past 17 years at Grace Lutheran Church in Mattawa, WA. During his lifetime, Maynard worked as a pilot on several occasions, including United Airlines and later as a Pastor/Bush Pilot in the Yukon for "Wings to the North." In 1978, Maynard moved to Leavenworth, where he built his own home. He worked as a Crane Operator for Marson & Marson Lumber. He appeared in many Leavenworth Summer Theater productions, favorite roles being Jacob Marley's Ghost in 'A Christmas Carol', Grandfather in 'Heidi', and Uncle Max in 'The Sound of Music'. He appeared as Captain Hook in Upper Valley Connection's 'Peter Pan'. He played with the Marlin Handbell Ringers. He met the love of his life, Jan Johnston, in 2000, while working on an LST production. They married May 12, 2007. Together they enjoyed working on theater productions and many projects at home.

Maynard is survived by wife, Jan; sister, Greta Thompson; daughter, Linnea Johnson and her mother, Harriet; daughter, Amy Forlan; and son, Greg Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles; and son, Luther.

Maynard had many interests and skills, and lived a rich and full life. He will be missed by many.

Memorial Service was held at Faith Lutheran Church in Leavenworth. Donations may be made to MEND in Leavenworth, 509-548-0408. Ward's Funeral Chapel, Leavenworth, is in charge of the arrangements.