This month we remember John Johnson, charter member of Nativity, who passed away on May 12 of this year. John grew up near where Nativity stands. “It was all farmland back then,” he noted in a 2022 interview with Pat Hendricks. He later purchased the property and donated a parcel for the construction of Nativity Church. He was also instrumental in the incorporation of Saint Anthony Village.
After his service as a Navy pilot in WWII, John helped his father with his business, which exists today as J.R. Horticulture in Roseville. John was married to Pearl, who passed away in 2015. Together they raised three children: Rick, Lynn, and Brad. John and Pearl had 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
The memorial service for John Johnson will be held at Nativity on Wednesday, July 24, at 1:30 pm with visitation one hour before.