Gary Dwain Johnson 1937 - 2016
HOOD, JOHNSON, PRICE
Posted By: Connie Swearingen - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/13/2016 at 19:03:34
Mapleton Press
4 February 2016Gary D. Johnson, 78, of Ida Grove, died Monday, Jan. 25, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, as the result of a tragic accidental fall in his home.
Gary Dwain Johnson was born Aug. 24, 1937, at Sioux City, the son of Frank and Marguerite (Hood) Johnson. He grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1955. While in school, Gary enjoyed summers with his grandparents at Pisgah.
After graduating, Gary accepted employment with the Highway Commission, now the Iowa Department of Transportation based out of Sioux City. He worked as a Project Manager of Construction. He later became responsible as an auditor for 19 counties in northwest Iowa on all federal and state secondary road projects. One of his early projects was involvement in the in the construction of Interstate 29.
In the winter of 1971, Connie Price of Mapleton was also working with the DOT and was introduced to Gary by a friend. It “must have been love at first sight” because at the moment they met, Connie knew she was going marry that man and soon Gary surprised Connie with a proposal. They were married July 23, 1971, at the Church of Christ in Mapleton.
The couple first lived in Sioux City and bought their first home in Moville in 1973 and later moved to Ida Grove. In 1979, Gary decided to change jobs and became employed at Bigelow Engineering in Ida Grove and then transferred to the position of Ida County Assistant County Engineer. After a successful career there, he retired in July of 2002.
After about a year, the county asked him back to fill the then vacant position of Ida County Engineer. Gary accepted and returned to full time work and ran the county for about one year while also training the current Ida County Engineer. Once done, Gary stepped back and once again retired.
Gary and Connie loved day trips in the area. Gary really liked shopping and enjoyed finding that good deal on his new clothes. He also loved animals, especially dogs and his kitties, often stray cats that roamed into their yard. They also enjoyed going out to share in a good meal. Recently they especially loved traveling to Mapleton and eating a delicious meal at Iron Mike’s.
Family members left to embrace their memories of Gary include Connie, his wife of 44 years; three sisters, Jackie Adams of Austin, Texas, Janice Shook of Fayetteville, Ark., and Pat Hughes of Houston, Texas; one brother-in-law, Mike Price of Mapleton; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Vivian Ouellette, and her husband, Bob; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Everett and Lavina Price; one sister-in-law, Kathee Price: three brothers-in-law, Jaque Adams, Clair Shook, and Edward T. “Ted” Hughes.
Visitation was Friday, Jan. 29, after 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton.
The funeral service was Saturday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton with Pastor Jena Manchester officiating.
Message in Music: Julie Hamann, vocalist and accompanist. Solo, “How Great Thou Art.” Congregational singing, “Nearer My God To Thee” and “In The Garden.”
Pallbearers: Corey Price, Mike Olson, Tom McNamara, Tom Cooper, Bill Hagerdon, Leo Dean.
Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Mapleton.
Everyone was invited and encouraged to go to Iron Mike’s on Main Street in Mapleton following the cemetery rites for a time of sharing a home cooked meal and our memories of Gary.
Armstrong Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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