Johnson, Byron Lee (1967-2025)

JOHNSON, BOHLEN, BECKER

Posted By: Karen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/6/2025 at 17:51:24

Byron Lee Johnson, was born the son of Lester and Martha (Bohlen) Johnson on October 25, 1967, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Growing up on a farm north of Aplington, he was taught the qualities of hard work, dedication, and a love of tending to both land and livestock, which were later passed onto both of his boys. Byron was baptized at and became a member of Bethel Reformed Church and lived his life believing the gospel.

At Aplington High School, Byron excelled both in the classroom and in his extracurricular activities. A three-sport athlete in track, basketball and baseball, he accumulated many accolades, including running the third leg of the 1986 Class 1A State distance medley relay championship team as well as running the open 400; and being a member of the 4x4 and 4x8 state relay teams during his sophomore and junior years. Byron also enjoyed music and was a proud French horn player.

It was during these years, Byron met his high school sweetheart, DeAnn Becker. After graduating high school in 1986, Byron went on to pursue his BA in education. He spent one year at Wartburg College and completed the last three years of his education at the University of Northern Iowa.

On July 27, 1991, Byron and DeAnn were united in marriage at Bethel Reformed Church. The couple began their married life together in Fremont, Iowa, where Byron taught at the elementary and middle school for two years. While Byron enjoyed teaching, his heart led him back to his first passion, farming.

After moving back to the farm, Byron and his brother, Leon, began their farming partnership as their dad retired. Being the third generation of farmers on the “home place,” Byron and DeAnn soon welcomed two sons into the world: Alex Lee on December 24, 1995, and Landon Paul on August 2, 1999. Between spending time with his children, grain farming, and raising hogs, Byron kept busy; yet he always had time for sports talk. While Byron was an avid Hawkeye fan, he was well versed in the world of sports. You could find him volunteering as a coach for his sons’ teams or spending quality time out on a lake boating with friends as well as with his beloved nieces and nephews, teaching them to water ski.

Byron lived his life as a true testament to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was an active church member, serving as a deacon and elder, Sunday school teacher, and he and DeAnn were youth group leaders. In 2008, one day before Thanksgiving, by the grace of God Byron survived a near-fatal semi/train collision while hauling a load of grain to the Sinclair Elevator. Enduring numerous surgeries, God graciously granted him another 16 ½ years with his family, allowing him time with his three beautiful, amazing grandchildren. He was looking forward to the summer of 2025 when another daughter-in-law, Haley, would be joining the family. His family, faith and trust in the Lord remained his foundation during all of this.

On April 19, 2025, at 57 years of age, Byron passed away in a farming accident. Through his death, he continues to give others life through the precious gift of tissue donation. He leaves behind his wife, DeAnn, of 33 years; his eldest son and daughter-in-law, Alex and Anna Johnson, their three children, Blakely (5), Titus (3), and Macy (1); and his youngest son, Landon Johnson and fiancée, Haley Randolph; his parents, Lester and Martha Johnson; his siblings, Manelva, Leon (Sheryl), and Galene (Randy Harken); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials maybe given to Bethel Reformed Church or the Gideon's.

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