Joel N Johnson - Walker Funeral Home

Joel N Johnson, age 56, quietly passed away on April 19, 2022, of a brain aneurysm after a four-week battle in the hospital. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, bishop, and friend to many.

Joel was born August 3, 1965 in Westminster, California to parents David and Kay Johnson. He was the second oldest of four boys. Joel grew up in the Salt Lake Valley during his childhood and teenage years. He was a curious, serious, and very adventurous boy (always looking for an open gate). He never had on clean clothes and was fascinated with anything that moved (birds, bugs, and pets). He often tumbled down the stairs, scraped his knees, and always needed a band-aid. He loved to take his brothers fishing and exploring.

Joel attended the University of Utah, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. He was a hard-working and determined student. His entire family are loyal Ute fans.

Joel served a Samoan-speaking mission in San Jose, California for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He taught and served the Samoan community and developed a great love for the Polynesian culture. While there, he met his beloved Polynesian queen, Susana. After she also served a mission for the Church, Susana and Joel reconnected and were later married in the Oakland California Temple on December 17, 1988. Together they had three children—one son, Keller, and two daughters, Lynicia and Dailyn.

Joel landed his first job at IBM in Waterbury, Connecticut. Joel’s job transferred his family to Longmont, Colorado in 1993,where they settled for the next 26 years. He worked as a financial controller and business planning advisor. He trained, managed, and supported multiple finance teams. He was a dedicated IBM employee for 31 years. He loved IBM and enjoyed a fulfilling career.

Joel was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in various callings throughout his life. He gladly served as a Scoutmaster, a Young Men’s leader, a counselor in the bishopric, a bishop in his home congregation, and a counselor in the stake presidency. Joel and his family loved living in Longmont and made many good friends while there. After their first grandson was born, Susana and Joel decided to move to Payson, Utah to be closer to family. Most recently, Joel served as a bishop in a married student ward at Brigham Young University. He loved working with young couples and enjoyed his time serving in this unique calling. He dedicated countless hours to serving people in the Church and influenced many peoples’ lives. Joel and Susana also served in the Payson Temple. They enjoyed attending the temple together regularly.

Outside of work and church, Joel had many hobbies. He was a gardener and enjoyed working outside, beautifying his yard. He was a great writer, documenting many significant events throughout his life and writing detailed journals for each of his children. He was a genealogist and persisted in completing his own family history work. He was a planner, scheduling many family trips. He loved to travel and go on road trips with his wife, Susana. The family cherishes many fun memories made while traveling over the years. He loved sports and enjoyed watching professional hockey, basketball, tennis, and football. He was a true Utah Jazz, Colorado Avalanche, and Green Bay Packers fan. He always supported his children at their sporting events. Most of all, Joel loved the great outdoors. He was an expert fisherman and would fish from dawn to dusk, if his wife allowed. One of his most exciting fishing accomplishments was catching a five-pound cutthroat trout at Strawberry Reservoir—a goal he had tried to reach since he was a young boy. He planned epic outdoor excursions every year to enjoy the beauty of the earth and spend quality time with his family and friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and ICU staff of St. Mark’s Hospital for providing excellent and compassionate care for Joel throughout his extended hospitalization. Last, but certainly not least, we are eternally grateful to Joel’s best friend, Dr. Steve Aslami, who generously provided his medical knowledge, wisdom, love, and care to the family in our most difficult hours. We love you, Steve.

Joel is survived by his wife, Susana; children, Keller (Amberlee), Lynicia, and Dailyn (Storm); grandsons, Greyson and Kingston; father and mother, David and Kay; brothers, Jeff (Paula), Tyler (Gabriella), and Tony; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and friends.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 711 South 600 East, Payson, Utah 84651. The viewing will be followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the Payson City Cemetery directly after the funeral service.

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9 Condolences for Joel N Johnson

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Cecilia says

April 25, 2022 at 8:18 pm

Hello Joel’s family, I’m Cecilia Barragan and for the last 2 years I worked with Joel very closely, more than a colleague, he was a friend to me, a person from whom I learned a lot, he was very patient with me and I only have good comments from him, I can say that even as I saw him and he reminded me of my father who passed away 5 years ago, he was very happy when he went to see his children and family, talking about his hiking trips and even showing me his dog through the camera. I’m so sorry for your loss, there aren’t enough words to make you feel better, but I wanted you to know that Joel was a great person and everyone at IBM will remember him with that smile on his face. I hope you find early resignation, a big hug and my deepest condolences.

Sybil Ellis says

April 26, 2022 at 1:27 pm

My sincere condolences to Joel’s family and friends. Death leaves a pain only God can heal but love leaves memories no one can heal.

Suzanne Kloster says

April 26, 2022 at 2:43 pm

Joel was one of God’s best. He was always quietly serving. With all he had going on in his own life, he still took time to send a quick email to say hello and let us know he cared. Who does that anymore? Joel did. One of his many small deeds, no doubt. Joel was such a humble and good man. It shows in everything about him and his family. Susana and Joel created one of the finest family’s I’ve ever met. My respect for you is endless. Joel may be gone, yet he is shining through in the family he has left behind. He touched so very many lives and left way too soon. Susana, you and your family are forever loved and in our hearts and prayers.

Rickelle Richards says

April 26, 2022 at 7:44 pm

My connection to this family is Dailyn, who was/is a student at Brigham Young University. I never met Dailyn’s family but from my interaction with Dailyn – an outstanding, compassionate, and thoughtful person – I have no doubt the rest of her family was the same. Sending my deepest sympathies to you, Dailyn, and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jess Wandrey says

April 26, 2022 at 9:15 pm

My deepest condolences to the entire Johnson family. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I am a colleague of Joel’s for the past three years and have enjoyed working side by side with him throughout the years. He’s always kind, composed and always wanted the best interest for IBM. He will be deeply missed by his IBM family. Thinking of you all and prayers for the weeks, months and years to come.

Alina Ahern says

April 27, 2022 at 1:59 pm

My deepest condolences to Johnson family. I am so very saddened by the shocking news of Joel’s passing. Our entire squad will dearly miss Joel. He was absolutely a brilliant man, always calm, always with a solution, always helpful and kind, a very strong team member who will forever be in our hearts. I feel blessed and honored to have known Joel for the past three years. May he rest in peace. Your family is in our prayers.

Line Marie Kjeldsen says

April 27, 2022 at 2:27 pm

To Joel’s family. I knew Joel through work at IBM. He was always very professional, clear and concise. On top of that, he was always kind and forthcoming – you could always count on him to be 100% in charge of his area and add additional knowledge and insights.
We were all greatly saddened to hear of his illness and passing. He will be greatly missed.
I know it is insignificant compared to your loss, but I hope, in time, it will be just another small reminder, that he was revered, respected and missed by people beyond his immediate circle of family and friends.
His drop in the sea of life has brought ringlets carrying his being far and wide – and still echoes in the waters.
All my deepest respect and condolences,
Line Marie

Karl Lebaron says

April 29, 2022 at 4:31 pm

I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Johnson family. Joel was one the most authentic, disciplined, tough and good people I have ever known. I will feel his spirt whenever I am on a mountain trail, crossing a stream or standing by a lake. He was a determined backpacker, stopping at nothing to find time to fish, always able to push through tough conditions or physical fatigue. You could not meet Joel without getting a dose of his pragmatic goodness, work ethic and is pride in and love of his family. May he rest in peace and may the Johnson family find comfort in the remembrance of a remarkable and good man.

Nancy Hasenberg Meidell says

April 30, 2022 at 4:20 am

If I could send a red wagon full of Ball canning jars with Katydids and grasshoppers in each one I would! it is what my childhood was hanging out with The Johnson boys. We went out everyday looking for bugs and we loved every minute. My heart is saddened by the news of my childhood friend passing away. Joel was a big part of my childhood and of my younger brothers. Everything I hear a song from “Bread” I think if The Johnsons, a dog named Queenie, my list goes on and on. Joel was a quiet one ( me and my twin sister were not) but non the less he was always there and a great guy. Know he will not be forgotten anytime soon in my memories. I am sorry you all have to go thru this pain of loosing such a loved one. Learn to embrace this pain, partake, learn and love one another. The grief is because you choose to Love and it is the price we pay for that love. My prayers for you all, for comfort, understanding and acceptance, and mostly love♡

Joel N Johnson August 3, 1965 - April 19, 2022

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9 Condolences for Joel N Johnson