"Harriet, Todd, Jereme & Matt & families, Our hearts go out to all of you. Gary was such a great person with a heart of gold & a great sense of humor. My parents & Gary?s parents were good friends & I have lots of fun memories of Gary when we were kids. He still had that great smile the last time we saw him. We are so sorry for your loss. Randy & Irene Fish "
In loving memory of
Gary Johnson
December 24, 1950 - May 20, 2020
Gary Allan Johnson, 69 of Keokuk, IA died May 20, 2020 at River Hills.
Gary was born on December 24, 1950 in Keokuk, IA to Dr. Elmer Oscar and Dorothy Worrell Johnson. He graduated from Clark County R-1 High School in 1968. He graduated with an Associate Degree from SCC in Keokuk and continued his education at Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, MO to become an electrician.
He served in the Army National Guard from 1970 until 1976. He began his career with Union Electric working at the Keokuk Dam and retired from Alliant Energy as a substation electrician in 1996.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Harriet Renard Johnson; three sons; Todd (Wendy) Johnson of Kahoka, MO; Jeremy (April) Johnson of Montrose, IA; Matthew (Stefanie) Johnson of Kahoka, MO, and eight grandchildren, Ethan Kelley of Burlington, IA; Gunther and Abbigail Johnson of Montrose, IA; Madelyn, Mia, Macie, Delaney and Hattie Johnson of Kahoka, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He enjoyed the time he spent fishing, hunting and farming with his boys. The last few years, he loved traveling with his wife in their camper, Sylvia. Though Gary was an only child, he loved his large family and the time spent with his grandchildren.
Thanks to a generous donor family he received a kidney transplant in 2012. This is part of the reason he wanted to donate his body to science for research to help future patients.
A private family burial will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Every Step Hospice or Keokuk-Hamilton Dam Museum and mailed to DeJong's Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, IA 52632.
Tributes
"Harriet and Family I am so sorry for your loss!! Prayers for Gods healing touch as you go through the days ahead. May you have comfort knowing he is no longer hurting and enjoying his days with our Father above!!! Prayers to you all. Stan and Laurie Wardlow "
"Harriet and boys, I just now heard the awful news. I didn?t even know he was ill. Though we have been apart for many years I will always remember Gary and ?Duke?, his Camaro, and the great times we had. I am crying right now just thinking about our dear friendship and I will always have a hole in my heart. In the Wizard of Oz the Wizard told the Tin Man something like ?A heart is not judged by how much it loves but by how much it is loved by others?. Truly Gary?s heart was loved by everyone who knew him. God?s Blessings to you always. David James "
" Harriet - It was a pleasure to meet and get to know you and Gary these last few months. I enjoyed our chats when you stopped by the desk and helping you figure out which room to "window peep" in when the lockdown kept you from coming inside to visit. I remember looking out from the break room one day and seeing you with kids and grandkids (show & tell items in hand) outside Gary's window cheering him up. He was lucky to have such a loving family. May Gary's love and the many precious memories you have give you strength and guide you through the days ahead. ~Doris "
"This loss hurts so many hearts; there are few people whose hearts weren't warmed when shined with light of the love by any of the Johnson family. This is the legacy of Gary and Harriet. And, on a lighter note, I know my sister will greet him with open arms and a beer! Our condolences to you all. "
"Harriet, Todd, Jeremy, Matt and families: Steve and I were so sad to see of Gary's passing away. He was a great guy we always enjoyed seeing and visiting with. He will truly be missed. Hold tight to those memories and smile when you think of him....we will. Hugs and prayers for everyone. "
"Harriet, Roselle and I were very saddened to learn of Gary passing. Our prayers are lifted up for you and your family>"
"Sorry for your loss. I liked working with Gary at the Power Plant. He was a good worker. He was smart. He had a good attitude. Loved his smile! Dave Grimes"
"Harriet and family, Chuck and I are so very sorry to hear about Gary's passing. Please know that our hearts are with you. Please take care of yourselves at this time and let others do for you at this time."