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Rev. Eldon D. Johnson

COVENANT VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK, Illinois — Rev. Eldon D. Johnson, retired Covenant minister, died on Friday, January 15, 2021 at his residence in the Covenant Village of Northbrook, Illinois at the age of 92. He was the loving husband of Harriet (née Boreen) Johnson for 68.5 years.

The son and grandson of Swedish immigrants, Eldon was born on May 16, 1928 in Escanaba, MI to Edwin and Elsie (née Lindahl) Johnson and his older brother Norbert Johnson. Eldon grew up in Gladstone, Mich. where he attended primary and high school before moving to Chicago, Ill. where he completed his Associates degree at North Park Junior College in 1948. Eldon met his wife Harriet while they were both students at North Park. They married on June 27, 1952. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Greek and psychology from Northwestern University Eldon returned to North Park College Seminary to earn his Master of Divinity which he did in 1954.

Upon graduating from seminary, Eldon served as a pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church for the next forty years. Throughout his years in ministry, Eldon (and Harriet!) faithfully answered God’s call to communities that were both established and just beginning to develop as a Covenant church/congregation. As an ordained ECC minister, Eldon pastored a total of eight churches around the United States in Ashland, WI, Ceresco, NE, Maplewood, MN, Everett, WA, Libertyville, IL, Linwood, MN, Houston, TX, and Tamarack, FL. He oversaw the building of three new church buildings and the expansion of two more churches, including his childhood church in Gladstone. Eldon also participated in short term mission trips to Haiti and Ecuador. Upon retirement in 1993, he and Harriet moved back to Gladstone, MI into the very house that he and Norbert grew up in. Eldon and Harriet then relocated to the Covenant Village of Northbrook in 2006 to be closer to family.

Eldon was well gifted in his call to develop new congregations. Both as a pastor and a person, Eldon was always the first one to offer friendly “Hello!” and a firm handshake and he was known for being able to hold a conversation with anyone at any time. Eldon’s faithful ministry led many people to Christ and provided foundations that future generations now build upon. Like his dear brother Norbert (also an ECC minister), Eldon championed the little man and fought for racial equality throughout his years as a pastor. The Johnson brothers had great love and support for one another throughout their ministries and lives.

Throughout his life, Eldon loved to spend time in nature, particularly at the family cabin on Hagerman Lake in Iron River, MI. He especially had a deep appreciation for the trees of the Upper Peninsula. Eldon also loved to garden (although he was less fond of chasing rabbits) and he was a prolific woodworker and carver, known for creating many pieces of furniture, Christmas ornaments, and Swedish tomtes.

Eldon’s grandchildren in particular will remember him for his warm welcomes. His gentleness and his lifelong phrase “Good to be together!” stand out in memory as well as his love of telling and re-telling family stories and history. Eldon was a positive spirit who understood the simple joys of being together. His story and message are written on the lives and hearts of many.

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Elsie Johnson, and older brother Norbert. He is survived by his loving wife Harriet, five children [Becky Johnson; Mark Johnson (Edna); Deborah Fogel (Mark); Daniel Johnson (Sylvia); Sarah Saisi (Joe)], and six grandchildren [Kyle Johnson, Anders Fogel, Rachel Johnson, Josiah Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Jake Saisi].

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial celebration of Eldon’s life will be planned at a later date.

Donations/memorials may be given in Eldon’s name to the United Evangelical Covenant Church of Gladstone, 305 S. 9th Street, Gladstone, MI 49837.