In loving memory of

Rev. Charles W. Johnston
January 23, 1938 - June 1, 2014


Charles Warren Johnston, 76, of Rochester, Minnesota died on June 1, 2014. He leaves a wife, Nancy; two sisters, Marian Giles (Robert); and Marilyn Layer; three children, Laura Peterson (Brent) of New Hope, Minnesota; Kara Rusk (Jason) of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Jay Johnston (Jenny) of St. Paul, Minnesota; and eleven grandchildren, Alex Peterson, Cole Peterson, Courtney Cagle Peterson, Madison Cagle Peterson, Carissa Rusk, Katharine Rusk, Olivia Rusk, Linnea Johnston, Meg Johnston, Hanna Johnston, and Audrey Johnston.

He is preceded in death, by parents, William Warren Johnston and Alice Dodson Johnston, brother, William Harrison Johnston, sister, Elizabeth Swords, and daughter, Marcy Cagle.

Chuck was born on January 23, 1938 in Peoria, Illinois. At the age of 18, feeling called to preach the gospel, he enrolled at Tennessee Temple University, graduating in 1961 with a bachelors degree. That summer, Chuck married Nancy Frankforth on July 21, 1961. Following graduation, he earned a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, which later awarded him an honorary doctorate. Following seminary, he served as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Watseka, Illinois (7 years), Calvary Baptist Church in Danville, Illinois (6 years), Faith Baptist Church in St. Paul, Minnesota (20 years) and Calvary Baptist Church of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin (6 years). After retiring from full-time ministry, Chuck and Nancy moved to Rochester where he filled the pulpit for area churches and served part-time as pastor to seniors at Calvary Baptist Church. During his 40-plus years in ministry, he served on various boards, including Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Baptist World Missions, and Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. By making much of Christ in his preaching and service to others, Chuck strived to live out the command of his favorite verse, John 3:30, He must increase, but I must decrease.And he did so with wit, wisdom, and an always amiable demeanor.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church (5905 Silas Dent Road NW).Visitation will be held from 5:00 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Parkway in Minneapolis, MN.

Memorials can be directed to Calvary Baptist Church, 5905 Silas Dent Road, Rochester, MN 55901 or Central Baptist Theological Seminary, 900 Forestview Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441.

Tributes

Kenneth & Susan Goodhue Johnson wrote on Jun 26, 2017:

"Pastor Johnston performed our marriage ceremony on October 27th 1973 Jen and I are still very happily married He provided us with some very helpful pre marital counseling that we still use and have passed down to our children and grand children"

Marilyn Hudson King wrote on Nov 17, 2014:

"Nancy, so sorry for your loss. Have thought of you guys often every since your sister husband was burned and we picked you up n took you to the hospital. Lost your address and never could find you until today when I found this about Chuck on the computer. Would love to here from you. "

Dawn Olson (Nielsen wrote on Jun 8, 2014:

"Dear Johnston / Cagel family, I am very sad to hear of the passing of Pastor Johnston, as he was known at Faith Baptist Church.  This brings a flood of childhood memories growing up at Faith Baptist from age zero all the way into adulthood.  I remember how supportive Pastor Johnston was of the Deaf Ministry.  He was always there for our family on many occasions and supportive of my decision to attend North Central University in Minneapolis for Deaf Culture Ministries (1989-1993).  Our prayers are with all of you at this time.   Dawn Olson, wife of Erik Olson  Parents were Ray (died in 1997) and Betty Nielsen who is still living. son David Olson and daughter Faith Olson.  Dawn Oslon"

Ray & Marie Pratt wrote on Jun 6, 2014:

"Dear Nancy and family, Our prayers are with you.  May you experience God's grace and goodness through you time of loss and sorrow.  Praise the Lord that we do not sorrow like those with no hope.   Love, Ray and Marie"

Gordon and JoAnne Lovik wrote on Jun 5, 2014:

"It is with great joy that I heard of Chuck's journey to God' House. As a former student of mine at Central Baptist Seminary, I followed his ministry enjoying the reprts of his faithful service.  He modeled what it meant to be a diligent student, faithful pastor and a loving husband and father.  He will be missed but only for a time as each of us will join him in our eternal home."

Julie Phillips Baumberger wrote on Jun 4, 2014:

"Nancy & Family,  we were so sad to hear of Chuck's passing.  He was a great man, brother, father and grandfather.  Please accept our condolences and you are all in our prayers.  God Bless."

Matt McGuire wrote on Jun 4, 2014:

"Jay and family, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you during this time. -Matt McGuire Saint Paul, MN"

Roland & Vera Mitchum wrote on Jun 4, 2014:

"So very sorry to hear of Pastor Johnston's passing.  We first met him when we were appointed as missionaries with BWM and then as a supporting pastor.  Our prayers are with you during this time and in the days ahead."

MJ Williqutte wrote on Jun 3, 2014:

"PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent by Baptist World Mission.Johnston Family: The Baptist World Mission family is praying for you. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7"

Tom Pecka wrote on Jun 3, 2014:

"jay - so sorry to hear of the passing of your father.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

George Houghton wrote on Jun 3, 2014:

"It is with sadness that I just learned of Chuck's death.  We had been classmates at Central Baptist Seminary (Mpls), and our paths would cross occasionally through the years.  While we sorrow, we have the assurance of a wonderful reunion day when we meet together in the presence of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  Be assured of my prayers and love during these days. "

Sara McKenna wrote on Jun 3, 2014:

"Jay - I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your father.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Take care, Sara"

Dave & Alice Espenscheid wrote on Jun 3, 2014:

"Chuck & I went through Gerber Grade School together, LaSalle Middle School together as well as East Peoria Community High School together. Boy Scouts, hiking, etc., we did together in Creve Coeur, Ill. High School reunions and being the Pastor to our Wisconsin grandkids was always our blessing! I will miss Chuck until some day our reunion will take place forever because of our Savior, Jesus, who made us meet & know each other. Alice & I are both praying for you, Nancy!!!"

Elaine Thon wrote on Jun 3, 2014:

"My deepest sympathy at this time of Chuck's home going. May God continue to use your family to continue in the work Chuck had begun. You are a wonderful family and I have appreciated you and your children."

David & Bettye Baughan wrote on Jun 3, 2014:

"Bettye and I were sorry to hear of Chuck's passing on Sunday. We had, through the years, many good times of fellowship as we labored together in revival meetings at the various churches he served so faithfully. We will be praying for the immediate days ahead and the time after that. Look forward to our reunion in Heaven some day."

Megan Pestel Lynn wrote on Jun 2, 2014:

"I'm so sorry to hear of pastor Johnston's death.  I will always remember him as my first pastor and the one who baptized me.  He had such an impact on our family's life.  Your family will be in my prayers.  Love to you all, Megan.  Daughter of Sandy Pestel Miller and Faith Baptist kindergartener 1982"