John Johnson Obituary

John Johnson

W. John Johnson, 89, of Ames, Iowa passed away on Tuesday April 28, 2020 at Israel House Hospice in Ames, Iowa.

Worney John Johnson Jr. was born on April 13, 1931 in Marshall County, Iowa; he was the son of Worney and Mary (Hodson) Johnson Sr. He attended and graduated from Van Cleve High School and later earned degrees in Agriculture Education (BS) and Rural Sociology (MS) from Iowa State University. He served his country honorably in the United States Military as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division.

On December 22, 1957 John was united in marriage to Elaine Eldridge in Ruthven, Iowa. John spent 33 years with Iowa State University Extension as County 4-H and Youth Leader at Oakland, Iowa; Member State 4-H staff, Ames; County Extension Director, Palo Alto County; Area Director for 10 county area, Spencer, Iowa; Assistant Dean and Director of University Extension, Ames, Iowa.

John enjoyed involvement in community activities including, President, Spencer Rotary Club, President Northwest Iowa Regional Red Cross, President of the United Way and President of the Ames Golden K Kiwanis. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Oakland, Emmetsburg, Spencer and Ames, Iowa, the Chairman of Administrative Council, Lay Leader, Finance Commission, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, also Chairman of several District Church Commissions and Chairman of United Methodist Conference Task Force on World Hunger.

John had been a beekeeper for over 30 years, served as President and Vice President of Iowa Honey Producers association and served 20 years on the Iowa Honey Producers State Board. He served as a volunteer advisor to beekeepers in the Ukraine as they developed a new bee law for their nation.

John was a longtime fisherman with over 40 trips into the Canadian wilderness.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 62 years, Elaine, sons, Greg (Rita Majewski) Johnson and Kent (Carrie Gustaveson) Johnson, grandchildren, Jessica and Jennifer, half brothers and sisters, Jim Johnson, Becky Birch, Wendy Leonard and Craig Kerr.  In death John rejoins his parents, grandson, Kevin Johnson and sister, JoAnn Barnes.

Memorials contributions may be made to Israel Family Hospice House, 400 South Dakota Ave, Ames, IA 50014 or to Collegiate United Methodist Church 2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014.W