JOHNSON, Lee Elmer, Dr. 1950-2011

JOHNSON, FOX, GUSTAFSON, KANONI, ROUSE

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/27/2012 at 22:27:33

[Waterloo Courier, Thursday, December 1, 2011]

Dr. Lee Elmer Johnson passed away on Nov. 22, 2011, after a three-year battle with early-onset dementia and ALS.

He was born in Cresco, Iowa, on Nov. 18, 1950, and was raised on a farm there with three sisters and a brother. Lee became a wrestler at a young age and, by the end of high school, was a two-time state champion in the sport. His wrestling talents rewarded him with a full scholarship to Iowa State University, where he wrestled with his heroes, Dan Gable and Tom Peckham. There, he studied to become a large and small animal veterinarian. After graduating in 1976, Lee moved to Hudson, Iowa, and joined the Hudson Veterinary Clinic. He later expanded the practice to include the Reinbeck Veterinary Clinic.

Lee married Lucinda Fox of Waterloo, Iowa, in 1977, and they had three children. He practiced veterinary medicine for 34 years before retiring in 2009.

Dr. Johnson enjoyed golfing and always looked forward to his annual deer hunting trips. He was known for his happy and outgoing personality and a laugh that could light up a room.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Johnson, and his brother, Judd Johnson.

He is survived by his children: Jared, Janee and Brianne Johnson; his grandchildren, Kanzah and Qais Kanoni; and his sisters: Connie Gustafson, JoAnn Johnson and Joyce Rouse.

He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at the UCC church in Reinbeck, Iowa. Donations in Lee's memory can be made to ALS Foundation.

Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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