Johnson, Jesse (1907-1950)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Apr 6 p. 1

Birth date: 1907 Jul 27

text of obituary:

Lonetree Pastor Dies Suddenly

JESSE JOHNSON SUFFERED STROKE WHILE DOING CHORES

According to word received by the Review yesterday noon, Rev. Jesse Johnson, pastor of the Lonetree church at Galva died suddenly Wednesday morning as result of a stroke which he suffered while he was milking cows in the barn.

Rev. Johnson is said to have gotten up and walked to the barn door, where he collapsed. He was carried into the house and died about 30 minutes later.

Although only 42 years old, he had already rendered outstanding service to his church and to the Church of God In Christ Mennonite conference, having been a member of the conference mission board.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p. m. Sunday at the Lonetree church.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Apr 13 p. 4

— It is estimated that well over 2,000 persons attended funeral services Sunday afternoon at the Lonetree church near Galva for Rev. Jesse Johnson, pastor of the church who died suddenly and unexpectedly the morning of April 5 after suffering a stroke of paralysis. He was only 42 years of age. Many of those attending stood outside the church building, which was filled to capacity. Friends and relatives came from such distant states as Florida, Louisiana, and Michigan, Rev. Johnson having been widely known as a minister and evangelist in the Church of God in Christ Mennonite conference. The services were in charge of Rev. F. H. Wenger of Hesston.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1950 Apr 27 p. 7, 8

text of obituary:

MIN. JESSE JOHNSON

Minister Jesse Johnson was born July 27, 1907, near Moundridge, Kansas, and departed this life at 7:30 a. m. on April 5, 1950, at his home near Galva, Kansas, at the age of 42 years, eight months, and seven days.

He was born and grew to manhood on the farm, attended the South Union school, and lived in this community throughout his life. He felt his lost condition without a Saviour, repented of his sins, beholding the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world, and gave his heart to the Lord in his young years. He was baptized Feb. 15, 1922, at the Lonetree church by Min. H. J. Mininger, and joined the Church of God In Christ, Mennonite, remaining a faithful member until his death.

On Sept 22, 1929, he was joined in holy matrimony with Vada Schafer of Longdale, Okla. The Lord has been very good to us and blessed us wonderfully in many ways, in spiritual as well as in material things. Four sons were born to this union, Donald, Harold, Charles, and Doyle. He was deeply devoted to his family and his Christian spirit prevailed as an affectionate husband, a loving father and kind neighbor.

He was deeply interested in the salvation of his children. He rejoiced when his oldest son repented and gave his heart to the Lord, and also later when the others who are old enough repented. Yet, in everything, his prayer continued that we might all remain faithful to the end and that we might meet in heaven some day.

Being a lover of music, his gift soon found employment in song service. He was song leader for many years. He took great interest in the promotion of singing until the end. He was an active executive member of the Song Book Committee chosen by Conference to compile a songbook for use in its services.

With his willing heart, his delight in helping along in the Kingdom of God, and his burden for the lost, his gift and call to the ministry soon became apparent. He was ordained to the ministry on April 23, 1933, by Elder Tobias Unruh. In the exercise of his God-given gift, his pleasant personality and congenial ways proved to be a great blessing to him and to the church.

As the years went by, his services as an evangelist were sought, not only in the home congregation, but throughout the whole church.

During the CPS years he traveled extensively, visiting the different camps and the brethren who were in need of comfort and counsel, he also took great interest in mission work and was an executive member of the mission board since 1946.

Last winter he was chosen leader of the Lonetree congregation, which office he reluctantly accepted, realizing the great responsibility resting upon him and his wife to lead so large a congregation. However, he took refuge in the Lord for wisdom and guidance as did Solomon of old.

Often when he drew near to the Lord he received special blessings and infillings of God's assurance that the Lord was with him. During the series of meetings in the home congregation this winter he experienced wonderful joy and fellowship in the Lord, and if heaven gives such joy and fellowship he wanted to be sure to get there.

He always had a steadfast hope and faith in his Lord and Savior, whom he served with a faithful heart, yet ever realizing the need of the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus in his daily walk of life. For he often confessed his shortcomings and regretted not being able to live a more perfect life and example.

His sudden and unexpected passing leaves a deep vacany [sic] in the home. As a minister and leader of the congregation he will be greatly missed. He always had a word of encouragement for all.

Left to mourn his departure are his deeply sorrowing wife; four sons, Donald, Harold, Charles, and Doyle; his aged father, P. P. Johnson of Galva (his mother preceded him March 3, 1946); one brother, Eldon of Galva; five sisters, Amanda (Mrs. Fred P. Becker) and Ida (Mrs. Dave W. Koehn), both of Galva, Esther (Mrs. Albert E. Koehn) of Canton, Zelda, at home with her father, Luella (Mrs. Glenn Koehn) of Galva; nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and many brethren in Christ. We mourn but not as those who have no hope.