Arthur Charles Johnson (1938-2009)

JOHNSON, THOMAS, MCCAFFERTY, BAUDER, BLAEDEL, HOFFMAN

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 4/17/2009 at 22:08:29

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Friday, April 17, 2009.

Arthur Charles Johnson, 71, of Ames, died of lung cancer Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at Israel Family Hospice House. At Art’s request, there will be no memorial service. A private family celebration of Art’s life will be held in Ames.

Art was born Jan. 29, 1938, in Philadelphia, the son of Elwood Johnson and Elizabeth (Thomas) Johnson. The second of three children, he contracted polio at the age of 17 and entered the U.S. Navy before he was fully recovered, serving an 18-month tour of duty in the Middle East, France and England. He then worked as a U.S. postal carrier in Levittown, Pa. In 1964, he married Patricia Ann McCafferty, to whom were born Kelly Ann, Russell Patrick, and Kathleen Ann. In 1970, he moved with his three children to the Ames area to be near his parents, brother and sister. In 1973, he met his beloved wife, Linda Bauder. They were married at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames on Aug. 2, 1975, and she became the devoted mother of his three children, as well as the three born to them, Karl Arthur, Craig Howard and Nicholas Eugene.

When Nick was a baby, Art and his oldest daughter, Kelly, became freshmen at Iowa State University, fulfilling a long-deferred dream of his to attend college. He worked at the National Veterinarian Service Labs, retiring in 2000. Halloween was his favorite holiday; he enjoyed passing out large Pennsylvania Hershey bars to all the kids. He loved car shopping and enjoyed spending time visiting with his buddies at the Cyclone Truck Stop.

He valued witnessing milestones in his kids’ lives. As his health declined, he was motivated to be able to attend his son Karl’s wedding, and the birth of Karl’s daughter, Keira; the graduation from UNI of his son, Nick; and Nick’s marriage in October 2008 to Emily Blaedel.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, and six children, Kelly Johnson, of Chicago, Russ Johnson, of Ames, Kathy (Gary) Hoffmann, of Mason City, Karl (Kyla) Johnson, of Kansas City, Kan., Craig Johnson, of Kansas City, Kan., and Nick (Emily) Johnson, of Iowa City; one brother, Woody (Susan) Johnson, of Granger; four grandchildren, Zachary, Patrick and Timothy Hoffmann, and Keira Lynn Johnson; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Bonnie.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents and one sister, Joan.

The Johnson family greatly appreciates all the love and support from others during this difficult time.

Memorials may be directed to the Story County Animal Shelter.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

http://www.amestrib.com/
 

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