William Spencer JOHNSON

JOHNSON, OBERHAUSER, GEALOW, HAENER, LESTER, EELLS, MCCONVILLE, BEERS, WOLF

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:00

May 20, 1943 ---- September 4, 2021

William (Bill) Spencer Johnson died Sept. 4, 2021 in Iowa City. He will be laid to rest next to his parents in the Belmond Cemetery in a private graveside service on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m.

Bill was the son of Theodore and Helen Johnson of Fort Dodge. He was born May 20, 1943 in Belmond and grew up in Fort Dodge. He was confirmed in the Congregational Church and sang in the choir. Bill was a straight A student and played violin in the high school orchestra.

Bill graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Grinnell College and then attended the University of Chicago on a Fulbright Scholarship. He later moved to Iowa City and earned a second degree in music from the University of Iowa.

Bill loved classical music and was an accomplished pianist who taught piano and gave concerts. He was fluent in German, Italian, Russian and French and enjoyed reading classic books in their original language. He especially enjoyed a meal with wine and conversing with friends who enjoyed his dry sense of humor. Bill valiantly dealt with health issues throughout his life. In Bill’s view he was a “tough cookie.”

Preceding Bill in death are his parents, and cousins Mary Ellen Oberhauser, James Gealow, Marge Haener, Robert Lester and Leonard Johnson. Bill is survived by his brother Winston Johnson (Michele), and cousins Bette Eells, Jean Ann McConville, Brian Johnson, Sam Johnson, Ray Johnson, John Beers, Jay Wolf and their families.

Condolences may be sent to Winston and Michele Johnson, 229 Parque Margarita Street. Rohnert Park, California.