Kirk A. Johnson, age 51, of Hastings, Minn., passed away 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, Minn., to Keith and Lois (Steffenson) Johnson ‘60. He was a graduate of Hayfield High School in 1982 and Luther College in 1986. He obtained his Master’s in Education and Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Kirk married the love of his life, Camille (Clapp) Johnson ‘87, on Sept. 5, 1987, in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. 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, Wis. 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 Johnson '16; his mother Lois, a brother Lee Johnson '89 and a sister Holly (Johnson) Wermager '95 (Scott Hamm); 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 was held March 24, 2016, at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, Hastings. Officiating were Rev. Greg Geier and Gordon Gathright. Visitation was March 23, 2016, at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church.