MN TYPE II: ACTIVE NON-LODD

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of FIREFIGHTER JOSEPH JOHNS age 40, of
Eden Prairie Minnesota, passed away Sunday May 5th 2024. He was a kind and loving man, and
he will be missed by all who knew him.

On February 17, 1984, Joseph was born to parents Charles & Loretta Johns. He was the
youngest of three children, and he loved growing up with his siblings, David and Stacie. From an
early age, Joseph was truly something special. He exuded joy, and his smile was contagious.
Joseph brightened any room he walked into. His energetic laugh and sense of humor will
resonate with those who have known him for years to come.

In high school, Joseph was a member of the Robotics Team and the National Honor Society. He
participated in numerous academic competitions and graduated with honors from Warren G
Harding High School in 2002. Next, he attended “The Ohio State University” where he studied
business and again graduated with honors.

Immediately following his graduation, Joseph moved to Minnesota to pursue his career. It also
helped that his big brother was nearby. Over the years, Joseph worked for Super Valu, JJ Taylor
and Optum Health. Joseph was a hard worker and made friends wherever he worked.
His life was guided by his Bible based Christian values of love, joy, peace and kindness amongst
others. These were evidenced by his ability to positively influence and inspire a multitude of
people.

He found his true passion when he joined the Eden Prairie Fire Department in 2015 as a part
time firefighter. Then in 2020, Joseph began working as a firefighter full-time with the Eagan
Fire Department. Joseph’s brothers and sisters in the fire departments described him as the
ultimate “Good Guy.” He was kind, compassionate, brave and always put service above self.
Joseph truly loved what he did and was fervent about sharing his passion with the next
generation. He always made time to volunteer at a school or simply talk to children about what
it meant to be a firefighter. Although Joseph touched the lives of many children, no one
touched his heart more than his nephew Alexander. They enjoyed video chatting and going for
motorcycle rides whenever Uncle J would visit.

When Joseph wasn’t working, he enjoyed being outside. Joseph liked fishing and kayaking. He
loved dancing and singing; Joseph truly was the life of the party. But more than anything,
Joseph LOVED being on his motorcycle. He rode his bike through every state in the Continental
US and even rode through parts of Ireland. He belonged to the Tru Breed motorcycle club and
visited several others where he developed lifelong friendships. Joseph particularly enjoyed long
rides for which he acquired the name “Miles”. He earned the “Iron Butt” patch after riding over
1000 miles in one day on a trip from Arizona to Minnesota.

No matter what Joseph did, he went all-in. He cared deeply, loved with his whole heart and
lived his life with joy and passion. Joseph was kind, loving, charismatic and funny. He was a
wonderful example for us all. If you didn’t get to meet him, simply put, you missed out on
someone extraordinary.

Joseph is survived by his mother, Loretta Johns; siblings, David Johns and Stacie Johns; nephew,
Alexander Johns; other loving relatives, coworkers and friends. He is preceded by his father, Charles
Johns, and his grandparents. Donations can be made to Firefighter for Healing.

Memorial Information

MN TYPE II: Active Non-LODD
Date: Monday May 13 2024
Time: 1:00 PM (Seating will begin at 12:00); Doors will open at 12:00
Location: Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave Burnsville, MN
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands: Eagan / Eden Prairie Fire Department Personnel Only

All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Firefighter Johns family and the celebration of his life at
12600 Nicollet Avene; Burnsville, MN 55337.

Eagan and Eden Prairie are asking all visiting Fire Department to bring smaller vehicles (Squad
or utility vehicles. Parking will be at Burnsville /Savage ISD on Burnsville Parkway.
Seating will begin at 12:00

There will be a procession for Eagan and Eden Prairie Fire Departments only.