Jerry Lee JOHNSON

JOHNSON, LANGERUD, HANSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:53

December 10, 1936 ---- July 19, 2018

Jerry Lee Johnson, age 81, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. He was born on December 10, 1936, in Forest City, Iowa, to John and Selma (Langerud) Johnson. After graduating from Crystal Lake High School in 1955, Jerry proudly enlisted in the United States Army in 1957. He remained on active duty until he joined the Army reserves. Jerry married the love of his life, Charlene Hanson, on August 1, 1959, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Garner, Iowa. Jerry and Char were blessed with two sons, Dana and Darren. After moving to Belmond, Iowa, Jerry became very active in the volunteer fire department and the U.S. Junior Chamber ("Jaycees"). The Johnsons owned the Dairy Sweet restaurant in Belmond for one year. While living in Truman, MN, Jerry worked for Truman Public Utilities, until his retirement in 2001. Jerry and Char moved to Mesa, AZ, in 2004, where he lived until his passing. He often said the years he spent in Arizona were the best years of his life. Jerry and Char have enjoyed watching Darren coach wrestling at a number of area high schools, most recently Perry High School. Jerry and Char have become permanent fixtures at Perry Puma wrestling meets all over the state, often volunteering to make food for the coaches and referees in the hospitality room. Over the years, Jerry and Char have made several trips to Green Bay, WI, to spend time with their son, Dana, and their grandchildren. They loved watching Dana in court and Jerry often bragged that his son "never lost a trial," (he also liked to exaggerate). Recently, Jerry enjoyed playing with his young grandkids and his cat, Lena. Jerry loved to cook, watch wrestling, tell jokes, and spend time with his family.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Charlene; his sons Dana (Kristen) Johnson and Darren (April) Johnson; and his grandchildren Macayla, Kalkidan, Jayda, and Carter. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his four brothers Orland, Marvin, Donald, and Maynard; and his sister Norma. The family will be holding a private service.

Mason City Globe Gazette -- Mason City, Iowa
July 29, 2018