Joseph Michael Johnston

Johnston, Joseph Michael, 66 of Brooklyn Park, died peacefully on October 11, 2024, at J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice. He was born on October 20, 1957 in Minneapolis to Connie and Glenn Johnston. Joe was welcomed by sisters Barbara and Kathy, then followed by three more sisters, Janice, Tamara and Joann. Joe attended Osseo High School, graduating in 1975. He then attended Hennepin Technical College, graduating in Machine Tool Technology and Quality Assurance. When Joe was eight years old, his family relocated to San Francisco, CA where he would live for five years before returning to Minnesota. While in California, Joe formed a lifelong love for warm weather, the ocean and beaches. This would be the backbone and requirement for many family vacations to come. Joe met Mary Margaret Reins in 1972 where their unending love began. The high school sweethearts were married September 15, 1979. In 1985, they welcomed their son, Jared who was Joe's pride and joy. Joe supported Jared's interests and encouraged him to be adventurous. Joe was truly an amazing and kind husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. He was a source of humor and knowledge to all that knew and loved him, but especially for his son. Joe was a man of few words, however when the subjects of science or mechanics were mentioned, he loved to share his latest findings and knowledge. He enjoyed his family, helping others, traveling, riding his motorcycle, tending his garden, feeding the birds, his Toyota Camry, mowing the lawn, and snow blowing for his neighbors. Joe's cancer diagnosis came on the tail end of his 41 year career at Special Systems Design, Inc. as a machinist. He retired on April 30, 2024. Following his retirement, the Johnston family took a bucket list trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, AR. There were no diamonds to be found, just lasting memories. Joe will always be remembered for his generosity, quick wit and sense of humor. Preceded in death by his father Glenn Johnston, step-father James Jackson, sister Kathleen Johnston, step brother Pat Jackson, nephew Cody Jackson, great nephew Daniel Peso, Jr. and niece Chelsey Nielson. Survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mary Margaret; son Jared (Gretchen) Johnston; grandson Kacen Johnston; mother Connie Jackson; and sisters Barbara Schermerhorn (Tim Walbridge), Janice (Thomas) Hanson, Tamara (Dean) Halonen, Joann Jackson and Heidi Jackson along with an uncle, aunts, many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of Joe's life will be held on October 20 (Joe's 67th Birthday) at 4 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior at Washburn-McReavy Glen Haven Chapel, 5125 West Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429. We invite you to wear plaid in honor of Joe. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Tributes

Joseph Michael Johnston

October 20, 1957 - October 11, 2024

Tributes

Joseph Michael Johnston

October 20, 1957 - October 11, 2024

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