Joan Ottilie Johnson

Joan Ottilie Johnson, aged 87, of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on November 11, 1938, in a log cabin on her parents' farm just east of Barnesville, Minnesota, to Arthur and Emelie Hough, Joan lived a life marked by unwavering Christian faith, dedication, and a selfless love for her family.

Joan spent her college years at Valley City State Teachers College in North Dakota, where her life changed forever in the fall of 1958. It was there, while working on homecoming floats and sharing songs among friends, that she met the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Johnson. Their sweet college romance—built on library study sessions, double dates, and handwritten poetry—blossomed into a marriage centered on their shared Christian faith that began on October 3, 1959, and lasted a lifetime.

Joan’s faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active and devoted church member, regularly attending prayer and Bible study groups. Joan always found ways to support and assist those in need. In her later years, as Alzheimer's took away her ability to drive and serve in the ways she once had, the community she had so lovingly poured into returned that same grace, stepping in with hearts for service to care for her.

Joan and Richard shared a great love for travel and adventure throughout their marriage. Following their wedding, they honeymooned in Banff, Canada, and spent many wonderful years exploring much of the United States together. Their road trips evolved over time—starting with tents and hotels, progressing to a pop-up camper trailer, and eventually a mini motorhome. After Richard's passing, Joan continued her love for travel alongside her brother Alden and his wife Lorna, while also taking trip on her own to stay connected with relatives on her husband’s side of the family.

Over the years, Joan took great pride in her work and in raising her family. Early in her career, she worked for a trucking service and served as a traditional telephone operator—wearing the classic headset and manually routing lines with physical switchboard plugs. When her son Randy was born, she dedicated herself entirely to her home as a full-time stay-at-home mother. She returned to the workforce once her daughter Janet was ready for school, shortly before her husband Richard fell ill with cancer. She went on to dedicate many years to Telecheck and JCPenney, where she was widely known for her reliability, strong work ethic, and warm spirit. In her leisure time, she found joy in sewing, crafting, crocheting and reading—quiet pursuits that reflected her patient, thoughtful, and gentle nature.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Johnson; their son, Ricky Johnson; her brothers, Mencer “Tex” Hough and Alden Hough; her sister, Juliana “Fern” Iverson; and her parents, Arthur and Emelie Hough.

Joan is lovingly remembered and survived by her children, Randy Johnson, Bryan Johnson, and Janet Klemp; as well as her grandchildren, Alex Johnson, Kurt Johnson, Dayton Johnson, and Elise Klemp, who were a continual source of pride and happiness in her life.

Service Details
* Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
* Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 11720 Nieman Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210
* Visitation: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
* Funeral Service: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
* Luncheon: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
* Graveside Service: 3:00 p.m. at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210

Joan’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who have offered support, prayers, and care during this difficult time. Her gentle spirit, steady faith, and loving heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.