Johnson, Gordon M. 1942-2021

JOHNSON, MCKINLEY, VANDRIESSEN

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Gordon M. Johnson, 78, passed away June 3, 2021 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 10 from 5:00-7:00 pm with a Prayer Service and time of sharing at 7:00 pm. The family will be present from 5:00-8:00 pm. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106. A Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 11 at 10:30 am at Peace Reformed Church, 4100 Outer Dr North, Sioux City, IA 51108. The service will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/FPv9Nh3YnSM. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Gordon was born on September 14, 1942 in Carroll, Iowa to Allen and Helen (McKinley) Johnson of Lake View, Iowa. He graduated from Lake View Auburn High School in 1960 and attended NBT College in Sioux City, Iowa.

Gordon was married to Erlene Van Driessen of Hawarden, Iowa on September 18, 1962 at Lebanon Christian Reformed Church, rural Sioux Center, Iowa. To this union two daughters were born, Gail and Jean.

He became a journeyman electrician and worked for Nystrom Electric and was a member of IBEW. In 1970, he became an electrical inspector for the City of Sioux City until poor health forced him to retire in 1988 at the age of 46. In his retirement, he enjoyed home projects, playing games, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

When Gordon was 15, he became ill with rheumatic fever, which caused heart damage. He then had three open heart surgeries, beginning at the age of 29. At the age of 60, on November 3, 2002, he was given the gift of a second chance for life by receiving a heart transplant. He enjoyed 18 year and 7 months of life with this precious gift and was forever grateful to his organ donor. His passion was sharing the gift of organ donation with others, including speaking to a high school class each year. Per his wishes, he was a tissue donor at his death.

Since receiving his new heart, Gordon and Erlene enjoyed spending 17 winters in Green Valley, AZ. He had many friends there and enjoyed playing cards, pool, shuffleboard and riding his bicycle around the park.

Gordon was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and belonged to the First Christian Reformed Church of Sioux City until it closed in 1998. He was a current member of Peace Reformed Church in Sioux City. During the winter he attended Valley Presbyterian Church, Green Valley, AZ.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Erlene Johnson of Sioux City, daughters Gail and John Brandt of Sioux City and Jean and Mick Thares of Lakeville, MN, four grandchildren, David Brandt of North Sioux City, SD, Andrew Thares of New Orleans, LA, Nathan Brandt of Sioux City and Hailey and Ben Ziemer of Farmington, MN. Two sisters, Sally Johnson of Indianola, IA and Susan and Glenn Ivarsen of Sioux City. In-laws Mary Ann Zylstra of Edgerton, MN, Delores and Garry Zonnefeld of Sioux Center, IA, Lois Hoogeveen of Sioux Falls, SD, Charles and Nola Van Driessen of Sioux Center, IA and Gary Schepel of Sioux Falls, SD and many nieces and nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Allen and Helen Johnson, a brother and sister-in-law Byron and Pan Johnson, his parents-in-law Ernest and Ann Van Driessen, brothers-in-law Henry Klarenbeek, Rev. James Hoogeveen and Art Zylstra and a sister-in-law Rosa Schepel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Peace Reformed Church or Iowa Donor Network.

Source: Meyer Brothers Funeral Chapels online obituary.