John “Jack” T. Johnson, 67, of Lafayette, passed peacefully into eternal life on Tuesday, September 25, following a lengthy illness. He was born December 1950, in Watseka, IL, to the late Harry and Rosemary Sweeney Johnson. John cherished growing up in his hometown of Ashkum, IL. He graduated from Central High School in Clifton and then completed his Bachelor’s in Education from Illinois State University. During these years he also enjoyed playing semi pro baseball for the Buckley Dutchmasters.

While attending seminary in San Francisco, CA, John met the love of his life, Carolyn Kunz, and they were married in August 1975. The couple then moved to Winona Lake, Indiana where John continued his graduate studies at Grace Theological Seminary.

For 25 years, God abundantly blessed John and Carolyn with opportunities to minister together, serving Protestant churches in San Francisco, Chicago, and throughout Indiana, eventually settling with their daughters in Lafayette. During this time, John also worked in Christian broadcasting, first for WCFY, and then as station manager for WHPL, a Moody Radio affiliate.

After being received into the Catholic Church nearly twenty years ago, John embraced the vocation of hospice chaplain, as well as presenting parish missions and Bible studies, throughout the midwest, Florida, Alabama and Canada. An active member of St. Mary Cathedral, John's love of the Lord and Scripture was infectious. His enthusiastic teaching united and inspired others on their journey of faith.

John was an ardent Chicago Cubs fan! He possessed an amazing knowledge of U.S. history, a deep appreciation for music, and a love of poetry. John loved his family, and one of his greatest pleasures was vacationing with his wife and daughters on Burt Lake, in northern Michigan. He loved visiting lighthouses, Mackinac Island, the Straits and enjoyed many Burt Lake sunsets. John was truly a good and faithful servant of Christ, always reaching out to people in need, while treasuring many close, life-long friendships.

Surviving along with his wife, Carolyn, are two daughters: Charis A. Vander Plaats of Lafayette and grandchildren Michael, Gabriel, and Raphaela (father, Joshua Vander Plaats); Carla R. (Rahul) D'Rozario of Waxhaw, NC and grandchildren Dominic and Andrew. Also surviving is a brother, James Johnson of Normal, IL; a sister, Jackie (Dennis) Meier of Ashkum, IL; nieces, a nephew, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be Sunday, 4:00 to 8:00 pm (7:30 pm Vigil) at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 10:30 am, at St. Mary Cathedral. John will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Lafayette, followed by a celebration of his life and meal at St. Mary Cathedral. Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Mary Cathedral Rectory Building Fund in John’s memory.