JOHNSON, Joan R. 1927-2020

JOHNSON, SEABURG

Posted By: Tammy Mount (email)
Date: 4/14/2025 at 06:19:21

Joan Ruth Seaburg Johnson

Joan Johnson, 92, formerly of Des Moines, IA, passed away on July 1, 2020, at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck, Iowa.

Joan was born on October 16, 1927, in Galesburg, IL, to Ruth and Earl Seaburg. She married Achmed (Larry) Johnson on November 10, 1951, in Galesburg. They first met at age 3 at the church nursery Sunday school. They were high school sweethearts and were married for 67 years prior to Larry's death on January 27, 2019.

Joan attended Gates Business College after high school graduation and was employed at AT&T in both Galesburg and Chicago, IL. Upon having the first of 4 children in three years, she became a stay at home Mom. Once she determined that she could risk returning to work without having the kids demolish the house, she was employed as a clerk in the food service division of the Des Moines Public Schools. She worked at Franklin, Merrill and Ruby Van Meter schools. She especially enjoyed the students she had as lunchroom helpers at Ruby Van Meter. She retired in 1988.

Joan was a great cook and took pride in her home and yard. She was most proud of her children and grandchildren and was supportive of their endeavors, especially their academic pursuits. She enjoyed her many international trips, winter jaunts to Florida and Hawaii, and could say she had her picture taken in front of all 50 state capitals! She was the anchor of her family, a wonderful role model, and she will be missed.

Joan is survived by her four children, Jane Johnson (Neal Allen), of Reinbeck, IA, Judy (Allen) Dale, of Marshalltown, IA, A.J. (Christy) Johnson, of Urbandale, IA, and Willie (Sandy) Johnson, of Chatham, IL. Joan was the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren (with another arriving Sept. 2020). She is also fondly remembered by her nephews and nieces.

Joan was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters, Patricia Seaburg and Betty Norquist, and grandson Bryan Dale.

The family will gather on Friday, August 21, 2020, at Grace Lutheran Church for a private celebration of Joan's life. Joan will be interred beside Larry at the Iowa Veterans' Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Roosevelt Foundation, P.O. Box 12087, Des Moines, IA, 50312. Please indicate in memory of Joan Johnson.

--Des Moines Register (www.desmoinesregister.com)