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Steve K. Johnson Sr., 79, of Alta passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026.
Memorial services will take place Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. at Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. Please wear your favorite casual attire in honor of Steve, who didn’t enjoy dressing up. Jeans and your favorite John Deere, Chevy or Harley-Davidson T-shirt, or a plaid or flannel shirt would have suited him just fine. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements.
Born to Ruth Adeline “Addie” and William “Frank” Johnson, Steve grew into the kind of man people could count on. He loved working with his hands, but more than that, he simply loved to work. There was rarely a project too big for him to tackle; if something needed fixing, building, figuring out or getting done, Steve was the man everyone called. Somehow, he always seemed to have the answer.
Steve served in the United States Army, answering the call to serve his country during a difficult time, and carried that same sense of responsibility and willingness to help into every part of his life.
Family was at the center of Steve’s world. He was married to Jo Ann for 57 years, and their love never seemed to grow old. He loved telling everyone about something funny Jo Ann said or did with a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle. Together, they enjoyed their evening walks, morning coffee and sharing the ups and downs of daily life.
He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandson fiercely. Through the years, his family knew what it meant to “rassle” with Grandpa on the floor and end up on the receiving end of one of his relentless tickle attacks. He loved to laugh, tell stories, spend time with the people he loved, and be outdoors, whether he was working, fixing something or simply sharing a beautiful day.
Steve was known for his heartfelt hugs, his warm and welcoming smile, and his terrible, often wildly inappropriate jokes. He had a stubborn streak — really, really stubborn — but that same determination was part of what made him so dependable. He was selfless and humble, often putting aside his own work when someone else needed a hand. When there was a need, Steve was the first one there.
He leaves behind his wife Jo Ann; his children, Cherie and Keith; grandchildren: Steven, Samantha, Josh and Nick; and great-grandson James. He is also survived by his siblings: Darwin, Janice, Nancy and Susan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adeline and Frank Johnson; and siblings, Maurice and Jerry.
Steve embodied the person we all hope to be: hardworking, dependable, selfless, generous, strong, kind and always ready to help. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, projects, jokes and love that showed itself not always through words, but through the things he did for the people he cared about. There was only one Steve, Dad, Grandpa, and Grampa Steve. He will be deeply missed. His memory will live on in the people he loved, the things he built, the problems he solved and the laughter he left behind.
