Rev. Russell O. Johns

We, the family, thank God for our husband and father. His caring personality carried us through sad times, his sense of humor showed us a way to be happy, and his deep and enduring faith led us to where we are today.

Russell was born to Jonathan and Sarah (Sadie) Johns (nee Stevens) at home in rural Seymour, Wisconsin on the Oneida Indian Reservation in 1926. He was baptized at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church. He played with his dog, grew vegetables for 4H and attended the Mission school taught by the Sisters of Saint Anne where he was a reliable acolyte. Russ then received a scholarship to St. Andrew's School in Sewanee, Tennessee where he studied until volunteering for military service in the U.S. Navy in 1944. Seaman First Class Johns served in both the European and Pacific Theatre and was a member of the occupation force in Japan.
Upon his honorable discharge, Russ returned home to finish high school in Seymour. He then enrolled in Outagamie County Teacher's College in Kaukauna where he met and married the love of his life – Rosemary Van Dyke – in 1950.

Russ and Rosemary moved to 902 Oviatt Street in Kaukauna to care for her father, John Van Dyke. That home has been a haven of love and care ever since, providing nurture, advice, food and raspberries to any person at any hour. Russell's teaching career began at Maple Grove, a one room school near Freedom. While working there, daughter Lucy Rose and son Christopher were born. He then moved to Combined Locks Grade School where he taught for five years and son Matthew joined the family. He also continued his college education at UW-Oshkosh, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. He next moved to Little Chute Elementary School where he taught 6th, 7th & 8th grade and
became the school's principal. Son Jonathan completed the family during this time.

In 1963, Russ heard his first true calling and moved to Kaukauna High School where he worked as a Special Education teacher. In 1970, he earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from UW-Oshkosh and continued to work in Kaukauna with 'his kids' until his retirement from teaching in 1989. Shortly after his retirement from teaching, Russell followed his Father's second calling and entered theology school. He was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Church, Diocese of Fond du Lac in 1992 and was assigned to All Saints Episcopal Church in Appleton. He ministered to all church members, especially the elderly, and used his magnificent bass voice to proclaim the 'good news' in scripture, story and song until his retirement from the active ministry in 2002.

Russell was a member of American Legion Post 41, the VFW Post 3319 in Kaukauna and was a founding member of VFW Post 7784 on the Oneida Reservation. He was recently awarded a medallion by the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan. During his teaching career, Russell served his fellow teachers as a member of the Kaukauna Education Association, Bayland Uniserve, Wisconsin Education Association Council and the National Education Association. Russell was also active in many community organizations. He served as a Cub Scout leader and the Director of Gardner Dam Boy Scout Camp. In recognition of his contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the Boy Scouts of America, he was awarded the St. George Emblem by the National Catholic
Committee on Scouting.

As an active member of All Saints before his ordination, Russell was a strong advocate of the Cursillo movement, a program developed by the Roman Catholic Church as a way of bringing Jesus Christ into everyday life. He introduced this idea to his church, eventually becoming the director of his church's movement. He served on the Board of Directors of several community organizations including the Outagamie County Mental Health Board, 1000 Islands Environmental Center and LEAVEN.
Singing was the other great love of his life and in 2002, Russell was honored at the International Convention for the Society and Preservation of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) for his 50 years of active membership. As a barbershopper, he served in a number of local, regional and national leadership positions.

Russell is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosemary L. (Van Dyke) Johns, Kaukauna; four children: Lucy Rose Johns, Nekoosa; Christopher G. (Lynelle) Johns, Appleton; Matthew M. Johns, St. Petersburg, Florida; Jonathan R. Johns, Appleton; his grandchildren: Peter (and special friend Teri) Johns, Sarah Johns, Joseph Johns, Lesley (Mark) Schmidt, Erin (Dan) Hoffman; his great-grandchildren: Samuel, Eileen, Sarah, Madelynn, Declan, Ian; and his special friends Judy (Welter) and Jerry Gerrits (Rosemount, MN), their children and especially their grandchildren Scott, Eric and Danny. Russell is further survived by a great many friends and former students, many of whom he remembered
until he was called home.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents Jonathan and Sadie (Sarah Stevens) and his father-in-law, John Van Dyke. His absence will be felt by his friends, especially those he made at St. Paul Home in Kaukauna where his humor and songs illuminated the halls. It will take all four of his children to carry on his work but, thanks to his teachings and guidance, they are ready for the new day.

And his wife of 58 years, whose loving face is now covered in tears will be forever encouraged and strengthened by the partner who brought her a white orchid on their wedding day, a mum on each anniversary, a poem on Christmas Eve and a quiet, tender rendition of “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”. From Russell's retirement notice to fellow members of All Saints: “It never ceases to amaze me when I remember that I was once a poor little Indian boy growing up on a reservation in the 1920s and think, here I am today, rich beyond my wildest dreams in all the things that are important. I have been well and truly blessed! Thank you, Lord!”

Funeral services for Reverend Russell O. Johns will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 23, 2009, at All Saints Episcopal Church, corner of College Avenue and Drew Street, Appleton, with The Reverend Edwin Smith officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kaukauna. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 – 8 pm, Thursday and on Friday at the church from 10:00 am, until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers memorial funds have bee established
for Friends of 1, 000 Islands and LEAVEN.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920 766-6200