Recently, a man in Montana died while working out in a Bozeman-area gym. That occurred on February 24th and the man who passed was just identified, with the Bozeman County Sheriff’s Department posting, on Facebook:
In the evening hours of Friday, February 24, 2023, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with the Bozeman Police Department investigated a sudden unexpected death occurring at a local gym. The victim was identified as 40-year-old Daniel “Danny” Johnson of Bozeman. Danny’s sudden death came as a shock to his family and friends. Danny was a pastor and elder of Grace Bible Church and spent much of his time contributing to his community. Danny’s cause of death was determined to be critical coronary artery atherosclerosis and the manner was natural.
Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Danny Johnson during this time.
So he died from “critical coronary artery atherosclerosis,” and became yet another man who has sadly died suddenly from unknown heart issues.
The church at which Mr. Johnson was a pastor created a page for those who want to help his wife through this tragic and scary time, saying:
There are 2 online options for supporting Kate Johnson and the kids in the recent passing of Pastor Danny Johnson:
Benevolent GIft ND-Kate Johnson-this option is the easiest for Kate as she does not have to manage multiple gifts of cash and checks and get them to the bank. We will send all of the funds that come in via this option directly to her bank account. These gifts will not be taxable income to Kate. You, as the donor, will NOT get a tax deduction for gifts to this option.
Benevolent Fund-Suggest Kate Johnson-gifts to this option will get a tax deduction. However, at the discretion of the Benevolent Committee, your gift may or may not go to Kate depending on other benevolent requests and funds available.
If you would like to give by check, there are 2 options depending on whether you want a tax deduction or not:
No Tax deduction: Write the check payable to Grace Bible Church and write Kate Johnson on the memo line.
Tax Deduction: Write the check payable to Grace Bible Church and write Benevolent Fund on the memo line. There is no guarrantee your funds will go to Kate as they are controlled by the Benevolent Committee that evaluates all benevolent needs and funds available.
You can either drop your check off at the church in one of the collection boxes around the church, or at the front desk, or you can mail them to:
Grace Bible Church
Mr. Johnson’s biography notes that “Danny is a native of Bozeman. After studying music and history at Montana State University, he lived abroad for five years, teaching English in Italy, Thailand, Japan, and Nepal. While teaching in Italy, Danny met his future wife, Kate. They became followers of the Lord, Jesus Christ, in the summer of 2011. They now have a young daughter, and three boys!! Danny sings at church, loves studying the Scriptures, apologetics, and philosophy (in that order); and also enjoys hiking, going to the hot springs, and traveling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Montana State University; a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Montana Bible College; and a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics from Talbolt School of Theology at Biola University. He is extremely grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to serve at Grace Bible Church as the assistant pastor of college ministries.”
Further, Mr. Johnson’s obituary provides that:
Pastor Danny Johnson went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, February 24, 2023, leaving us far too soon, but joining heaven’s glory and the reward of faithfulness.
Danny was born December 26, 1982, in Columbus, Ohio. He eventually moved with his family to Bozeman, where he graduated from Bozeman High School. He continued his education at Montana State University, graduating with a History degree. For several years, he traveled the world teaching English. It was during these years he began to ponder his life and its impact. Danny loved traveling and teaching. But one day by the side of a road in Australia, he realized the existence of a God who was even greater than his expectations or imagination. He remembered the words of forgiveness spoken in Scripture. Leaving behind the carefree life of his youth, Danny began the pilgrimage that would consume the remainder of his days – pressing to know Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection. He returned to Bozeman to train for ministry at Montana Bible College. He graduated and began working as a college pastor at Grace Bible Church, his home away from home.
The measure of a life is not in its years . . .
Danny loved life! His laugh was contagious and his gorgeous tenor voice unparalleled. He embraced every moment, from food in his travels to singing “Country Roads” with a busload of people trying to learn English. Joy seemed his vernacular, and he never met a stranger. His passion overflowed in every endeavor. He never wasted a moment.
Danny loved his children! Every day, his return home was a delight. He enjoyed reading, playing, and singing with them. But more than these things, he loved being their dad. He strived to give them faithful training in how to love the Lord and think of others before themselves. Not a day passed without Danny praying for their hearts to be crafted into a heart of devotion to Jesus.
Danny loved his wife! Nowhere was Danny’s passion for people clearer than in the way he adored and served his beloved wife, Kate. His love for her was attended with much learning and many apologies. He never shied away from learning to love better. But every moment he spent with her was like a sunrise through the clouds. The kaleidoscope of love he felt for Kate was only matched by his desire to serve her and be with her.
Danny loved Jesus Christ! He found his greatest joy in the realization that Jesus had forgiven him every wrong thing. He could hardly keep silent about the fact that such forgiveness was offered everyone through Jesus’ death on the cross. Danny’s life was an invitation. Breath and time were gifts for the sake of speaking the reality of the Gospel. Though certainly struck occasionally by fear, as we all can be, Danny was never ashamed; he never wavered.
Danny loved people! Danny was blessed to be a shepherd of people. His days were given to leading Bible studies and meeting over coffee (always the best coffee!) with anyone who would listen or have conversation about the goodness of God and the grace found in the cross. His work as a pastor was sometimes hard, but never burdensome. He gratefully embraced the mantle of caring for others.
It is a fair summation to say that Danny never wasted a day!
Danny is survived by his loving wife, Kate, and precious children, Lucy, Daniel, Joshua, and Zacharias; his parents, David Johnson and Diane (Dave) Trusdle; brothers, Davey (Sandy) and Joey (Marissa); in-laws, Russ and Linda Bladen; brothers-in-law, Matthew and David; his grandma, Grace Schoenfeld; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family; and many close friends and “adopted” family members.
A Private Family Graveside Service will take place at Sunset Hills Cemetery. A Memorial Service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 4, at Grace Bible Church.
Should people desire, a fund has been set up to help the family: https://gbcbzn.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/a0c0ca24-6fd5-4614-be9a-2f7e8766fd8f
Featured image credit: Cross Life Grace Church
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