Terry Robert JOHNSON

JOHNSON, HILL, HARRIS

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

August 20, 1944 ---– May 19, 2020

Terry R. Johnson

Glendale, CA formerly of West Des Moines - Terry Robert Johnson, 75, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away in the arms of his wife Catherine S. (Hill) Johnson on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 in Glendale, California.

Terry was born August 20, 1944 in Belmond, Iowa to Robert L. and Lois (Harris) Johnson. He was a graduate of West Des Moines Valley High School and Northwest Missouri State University.

Terry proposed to Cathy three weeks after they met at Val Lanes; they married on October 3, 1970. He was a devoted husband and a loving, encouraging father to three children. He taught his children the value of hard work, to live with integrity and decency, and most of all, the importance of family. Terry was an optimist with an entrepreneurial spirit; he pursued business opportunities in professional services, microwaveable popcorn, and ergonomic office supplies, among others. Eventually, he settled into a career as Sales Manager at McLaren's Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, where he worked for 18 years before retiring in 2013.

As a member of Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, Terry enjoyed being a Sunday morning greeter and presenting informational meetings several times a year on preplanning your funeral wishes.

One of Terry's proudest professional accomplishes was as a team member that brought the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall to McLaren's Resthaven Cemetery in 2011 that was visited by thousands of people.

Terry will be remembered for his wit and well-timed jokes, and for sometimes pretending to be a crusty old grump for his own amusement. He was a simple, honest man who was content with a few small pleasures in life: golf, Hawkeye sports, nickel slots, warm Pepsi, and his dog Callie.

Terry is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cathy, sons Scott M. Johnson of Des Moines, Robert A. and Elise G. Johnson of Los Angeles, daughter Lisa M. Johnson of Glendale, three grandchildren, and his brother Randy Johnson of West Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dean Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/west-des-moines-ia/terry-johnson-9195070