Joseph Johns

Joseph Charles Johns of Eden Prairie, formerly of Warren, Ohio, died much too soon on May 5, 2024, at the age of 40. He was a kind and loving man, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

A service honoring Joseph’s life will be held on Monday, May 13, at 1 p.m. at the Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Doors will open to the public at noon.

On Feb. 17, 1984, Joseph was born to parents Charles and 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 knew 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 U.S. 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 1,000 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.

Arrangements are being handled by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Jordan.