EU Students and Faculty Remember Recently-Passed Student

John Johansson May 13, 2024. (Courtesy Micaiah Brown)

John Johansson, 22, a senior at Elmhurst University, died Feb. 20. Johansson was a digital media major with a minor in theatre and on track to graduate at the end of this semester.

A private funeral service was held and Johansson’s family requested privacy while mourning. According to a communication from Keri Anne Alioto, Vice President of Student Affairs at EU, a memorial may be planned in the future.

According to an online obituary, Johansson’s family requests “donations be made to STOMP Out Bullying or Second City Canine Rescue.”

Following an announcement by EU President Troy VanAken Feb. 24, campus counselling services opened several emergency appointments for students that day and for the remainder of the week. The digital media program and the department of theatre and dance held a joint remembrance session Feb. 26 in the Mill Theatre.

Amy Lyn McDonald, chair of the department of theatre and dance, submitted a statement.

“I was blessed to work with John on several projects in the Theatre and Dance department. He brought a beautiful light and presence to any room he entered,” said McDonald. “He is beloved by everyone who had the privilege to know him and will be greatly missed but never forgotten. I deeply appreciate having the opportunity to know this talented young man and want to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

John Klein, program chair for digital media, and Kristyn Jo Benedyk, former program chair for digital media, both submitted statements directly to The Leader:

Klein wrote, “I got to see him stretch his theatrical performance legs in my Art of Music Video Production class, watched in awe as he and his group literally switched scripts at the last minute due to the weather so they could finish their Advanced Film and Media Production project, and even this term he showcased his love of life (and dancing) when learning our advanced cameras and messing around with his groupmates.”

Benedyk’s statement is similar, taking note of Johansson’s ability to quickly adapt to new projects and challenges.

“When obstacles arose, John handled them with so much compassion and grace… and humor,” said Benedyk.

Her statement also includes a reference to Johansson’s work with The Base Chicago, a non-profit youth organization.

“What began for him as a few volunteer hours quickly turned into a dedication and devotion to this project and the students of West Garfield Park. He brought so much light to everyone who was involved,” said Benedyk.

Echoing Benedyk’s statement, Klein also wrote, “Every project he could find to work on, he was the first to volunteer, and he would constantly stay after class to help take equipment back to Checkout.”

In remembrance, The Leader accepted comments from students, faculty, and peers of Johansson.

Ella Leon, a senior at EU, attended elementary school, high school, and college with Johansson.

Leon wrote, “John was so full of life and always had me cracking up with all of his crazy stories. In middle and high school we would all call him Tooney as a nickname which became his username for everything. When I think of Tooney I remember so many nights of rehearsals for our middle and high school plays and us always carpooling to Elmhurst freshman year before I was comfortable driving on the highway. [I remember] so many trips to Sonic where we would wait forever in the drive through, but then debrief our days over limeades, corn dogs and pretzels.”

Sarah Glees ‘24 was a digital media major at EU and was also part of EU and The Base Chicago’s partnership, alongside Johansson. “I watched him step up with The BASE Chicago projects and shift to helping his classmates as well as edit a behind the scenes video which can be found on the Elmhurst University Digital Media YouTube.”

Glees continued, “I knew I could always confidently recommend him for film opportunities because of how dedicated, resourceful and talented he was. I send so much love to friends, family, and truly anyone that had the privilege of knowing John.”

One of Johansson’s former teachers at John W. Garvey school in Chicago, Illinois, Kent Joseph, reflected on his experience educating Johansson.

“Over 30 years as a K-8 teacher I have seen thousands of students and John certainly is one of the most memorable. A shining example of not just what a student and “theatre kid” should be (helpful, inquisitive, conscientious, etc) but also as a human being. One of the kindest souls to our special ed and multilingual learners, John always leant a helping hand to his fellow students.”

Joseph noted the loss of his own son, Tristan Joseph, and how he coped and grew, hoping Johansson’s friends and family may have a guide forward in the wake of their loss.

“We were struck by the countless lives he had touched in only 22 years. And I have no doubt John has done the same. At Tristan’s memorial we saw how difficult it was for his fellow students in dealing with the loss of a peer. This will undoubtedly ring true for John’s peers as well,” said Joseph. “My hope is that you comfort one another as you grieve over the loss of John Johansson. ‘Goodbye may seem forever, farewell is like the end, but in my heart’s a memory, and there you’ll always be!’”