John David "Yohan" Stephens was born March 18, 1964 and passed away September 12, 2020 at the young age of 56 years. John attended Coon Rapids High School and graduated with the class of 1982. While in High School, John excelled on the wrestling team and was proud to be a Coon Rapids Cardinal. John did not venture far from Coon Rapids, the place he called home for 56 years. John was our gentle giant with a heart of gold. He always held a special place in his heart for his family, especially his nieces and nephews. It would bring tears to his eyes when dearly talking about them.

In John's later years after being diagnosed with diabetes, it became clear that the disease was going to be challenging in many ways, but John continued to fight through these obstacles to the end when it was apparent the fight was soon to be over.

John is the youngest of 6 children with 5 older brothers and sisters and their spouses. 12 nieces and nephews and 7 great nieces and nephews. Julie and Kevin Ward with Erin (Brett), Ryan (Jamie), Megan (Arthur); Jeff and Cara Stephens with Joshua and Matthew; Bill and Justine Stephens with Dennis (Jess), Rachel, Kate, Ben (Shaina); Mary and Craig Reichert (Stephen Larson); Dan and Kate Stephens with Stephanie and Austin and Kate's daughters, Rebekah, Heather and Parker. Great nieces and nephews, Kinsley, Kaden, Alice, Hayden, Meela, Piper and Finley.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Zoeann (Lust) Stephens; grandparents, William and Ellen Lust; Edgar and Allie Stephens.

Visitation at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Ave, Anoka, MN 55303 on Wednesday, September 23 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu if flowers, donations can be made to the Coon Rapids Mat Bandits at 1020 87th Ave NW., Coon Rapids, MN 55433. Please indicate John's name in the memo line.

Per CDC guidelines, social distancing and the use of masks are required.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka, MN - 763-421-0220