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Kevin Johannes Obituary
KEVIN LANNING JOHANNES
October 18, 1955 January 27, 2019
Kevin Lanning Johannes, 63, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on January 27, 2019.
Kevin was born in Turtle Lake, North Dakota on October 18, 1955 to Merl & Zona (Sampsel) Johannes. He grew up in Fergus Falls, MN, where he attended Fergus Falls High School. Kevin played for the school's basketball team, where he was co-captain his senior year. He graduated in 1974. For the next 9 years, he worked at several local businesses, including The Viking Cafe, Highway Host, The Big Chief, and Pebble Lake Golf Course, among others. In 1983, he relocated to Colorado, where he stumbled upon a help wanted ad for a new little restaurant in Woodland Park called the Circle H Smokehouse. He started as a cook and manager, and met his wife, Cindy in 1984. They were married on May 31, 1986. After welcoming their son, Garrett, in 1986 and their daughter Kelsey, in 1991, they decided to buy the restaurant in 1994, successfully running it as a family business ever since.
Kevin loved to cook, but when he wasn't at the restaurant, you would find him playing golf with Garrett, fishing, grilling, and watching Food Network, Rockies baseball, college football, or 60 Minutes. His restaurant was one of his biggest accomplishments, and he cared about every employee like family, and became family to countless customers over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merl and Zona, father and mother-in-law Vincent and Viola Canty, sister-in-law Colleen Heard, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousin Lyle Johannes. He is survived by his amazing wife of 32 years, Cindy, his children Garrett and Kelsey, his siblings and their spouses, Bruce (Sandy) Johannes of Fargo, ND, Linda (Steve) Lill of Bloomington, IN, Penny (Jeff) Kreutter of Brooklyn Center, MN, Brian Johannes of Wadena, MN, Candy (Mark) Hansen of Forman, ND, Scott (Carol) Johannes of Golden Valley, MN, his nieces, Kristin, Tracy, Cally, Emily, and Samara, his nephews, Andrew, Craig, Erik, Lanning, Ben, and Thom, as well as many cousins.
He was an incredibly hard-working, caring, funny man who always took care of his family and he will be greatly missed.
Memorial services will be held from noon to 3pm on Wednesday, February 6th at the Circle H Smokehouse in Woodland Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Johannes
Jim Brown
May 9, 2024
"Fiber" as we called him was one of the first persons I met when I moved to Fergus and I liked him immediately. He made me feel welcome as a new kid in town circa 1968. Funny, friendly and man...I'd never seen someone my age send a baseball into orbit like he could. Sandlot bat-arounds at Roosevelt Park off Mt. Faith with Paul Winino, Danny Olson, Tom Caspers and whoever else showed up. I think if he'd stuck with baseball, he had the potential to be the best catcher Fergus had ever seen.
Jim and Kathy Domholt
January 31, 2024
Kathy and I think of Kevin and his family often and the many fun times we had together. His happy greetings when you met up were the best.
Kim Kirkvold(Sherman)
February 20, 2019
I worked for Kevin & Cindy in 1994. I had moved from Minnesota & my new boss in Colorado was from there. My job was waitress & cook on some Friday nights so Kevin could have some well deserved time off! Great people. You are in my prayers.
Mike Doss
February 12, 2019
Cindy,Garrett,& Kelsey,
What a wonderful man that always wore a BIG smile. I will always remember Kevin and Garrett stopping by the Cactus to get their burrito fix. He was my friend.
My heart is with you all.
Kate (Tell) Dolan
February 11, 2019
I worked with Kevin at Highway Host during high school. He was kind to all and a great and responsible cook, in spite of his endless pranks! Always hoped to see him again.
David Bird
February 11, 2019
Very sad to hear of Kevin's passing! We were neighbors growing up, played a lot of ball together. He was a great guy!
John Gillund
February 7, 2019
I was hoping to get together with Kevin after many years and it saddens me that I won't be able to. Condolences to his family. He was a great friend and teammate growing up and a member of my wedding party. Rest in peace, Fiber!
Marty and Yolanda Parrish
February 7, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to your family, He will be deeply missed
John & Linda Olsen
February 6, 2019
Kevin will be greatly missed..his hugs were wonderful
Dave & Debbie Stanford
February 5, 2019
Dave & I cannot fully express our sorrow for your family over the loss of your Dad and husband, Kevin. There are no words when you have lost a loved one that can bring comfort. But we will remember you in prayer that our Heavenly Father, the One who truly can bring comfort, will stay close to you.
Priscilla Lerdholm Lindquist
February 5, 2019
Love and prayers to my cousins on Kevin's passing.
Jim and Kathy Domholt
February 4, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim and Kathy Domholt
February 4, 2019
We are so surprised and saddened by the news of Kevins passing. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. He was always very happy and fun to be with. He will be remembered and missed by many. We really enjoyed the times we got to visit. The smokehouse was a great place. God bless.
Pat Kimble
February 4, 2019
I think what I will remember most is his laugh. What Joi will miss the most is his over easy eggs. She measured all others by his. He loved to tease, he once sent out Pat's order of pancakes and it was one the size of a nickel, then he and his family laugh like crazy at her reaction. We will miss you Kevin. Joi & Pat
Karen Hansen Murie
February 4, 2019
Sending prayers and sympathy to all of the Johannes family! From Karen Hansen Murie
Candy Hansen
February 4, 2019
May your light shine on!!
Candy Hansen
February 4, 2019
Miss you tons big brother! May your heavenly family enjoy your country gravy now!! Until we meet again.
❤ Your little sis
Candy
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