Kirk A. Johnson

Kirk A. Johnson, age 51, of Hastings, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2016 following a struggle with cancer. He died at Methodist Hospital in Rochester with his family by his side. Kirk Alan was born March 27, 1964 in Rochester, MN to Keith and Lois (Steffenson) Johnson. He was a graduate of Hayfield High School in 1982 and Luther College in 1986. He obtained his Masters in Education and Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Kirk married the love of his life, Camille Clapp, on September 5, 1987 in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Kirk was a guidance counselor at Hastings High School. Kirk loved working with youth. His first work experience was as a Tentmaker sharing his faith in Sturgeon Bay, WI. After receiving his Master's Degree, he began his career as a school counselor at Grass Junior High in West St. Paul, which became Heritage Middle School. He also worked at Friendly Hills Middle School in Mendota Heights prior to his long-term position at Hastings High School. Coaching was one of Kirk's passions and included the sports of basketball, soccer, baseball, track, volleyball, and tennis. Kirk formed many special relationships this way; he remained in contact with many young people and was a well-loved mentor in their lives. Kirk was preceded in death by his father Keith, and father-in-law Robert Clapp. He is survived by Camille, his children Bree and Isaac; his mother Lois, a brother Lee Johnson and a sister Holly (Scott Hamm) Wermager; niece Anna Wermager, nephew Josh Wermager, mother-in-law Donna Clapp, brother-in-law Kevin (Viki) Clapp, cousin Dave (Rebecca Sroge) Johnson, as well as some close personal friends. A memorial service for Kirk will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at St. Philips Lutheran Church, 1401 15th Street West, Hastings. Officiating will be Rev. Greg Geier and Gordon Gathright. There will be a visitation Wednesday, March 23, 2016 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at St. Philips Lutheran Church, as well as 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday, from 9:30 10:30 am.