John R. Johnson

JOHNSON, BLAKE, SCHMIDT

Posted By: Wagner (email)
Date: 3/20/2011 at 05:38:27

Morning Sun News-Herald, February 24, 2011
John R. Johnson

John R., ‘Johnny’ Johnson, 75, of Burlington, Iowa, died Saturday, February 19, 2011 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Johnny was born October 15, 1935 in Burlington, Iowa to Millard and Ethel (Blake) Johnson. He was the oldest of four sons and graduated from Morning Sun Community High School.

Following graduation Johnny began his career in farming. In 1967 Johnny started his own business, J & J Steel, specializing in steel erection. In 1983 he acquired Ideal Ready Mix Inc. Johnny owned and operated 34 Raceways until 2006. In addition to serving as CEO and owner of J & J Steel and Ideal Ready Mix, Johnny also owned and operated L & W Quarries and JRJ Enterprises.

Johnny was active in Late Model car series racing for over 30 years. Driving the car numbered 99 was his hobby and passion. He was elected to the National Late Model Hall of Fame, Des Moines County Cattleman’s Association 2008 Associate of the Year and 2007 Honorary Des Moines County 4H member. During his career he served as Board Member of Southeast Iowa Builders Association, President and Board Member of Iowa Ready Mix Concrete Association, Board Member of Burlington/West Burlington Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Grow Greater Burlington, Board Member of Burlington Bank & Trust (currently Two Rivers Bank & Trust), Board Member of Great River Financial Group and Board Member of Iowa Limestone Producers Association and was a past member of the International Association of Bridge Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers Local #577.

Survivors include four children, Wayne W. Johnson of West Burlington, J. Scott Johnson and his wife Julia of Clive, Iowa, Cristy L. (Johnson) Schmidt and her husband Michael Schmidt of Burlington, Jay B. Johnson and his wife Mindy of West Burlington, five grandchildren, Nathan K. Schmidt, Jaclyn K. Johnson, Ross D. Johnson, Graham R. Johnson and Jamie L. Johnson; two brothers, James L. Johnson and his wife Terry of Wapello and Mickey M. Johnson and his wife Sandra of Wapello, and a sister-in-law, Mary Beth Johnson of Madison, Wisconsin.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Keith Johnson. A private family service will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mediapolis, Iowa with the Rev. Jerleen Schlesser officiating. Burial will be in Kossuth Cemetery.

A celebration of Johnny’s life will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Burlington Golf Club. The family invites Johnny’s friends and fans to join them at the Burlington Golf Club from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the John R. Johnson Memorial for Southeast Iowa Builders Association Scholarships. Memorials may be sent to PO Box 1113, Burlington, IA, 52601.

The Hagele and Honts Funeral Home in Morning Sun is providing for the care and arrangements for the Johnny Johnson family.

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