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Vigil Service
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Mass of Christian Burial
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Eleanor Jean (Elbert) Johnson, age 89, passed away on the morning of July 8, 2022.
Many residents of Missouri Valley knew her as “Mrs. Game Warden,” the woman who answered the phone and relayed messages to Richard (Dick) Johnson, the game warden. Many also knew her as the beloved Mrs. Johnson, the daycare and preschool teacher. Her volunteer Mrs. Game Warden job spanned 37 years while running a successful daycare and later a preschool, in her home for 27 years.
Jean was born December 21, 1932 on a family farm in north central Iowa. The third of 9 children, she grew up with a farmer’s work ethic. She milked cows, tended the garden, and acquired the love of baking.
Jean attended a one-room country school until 5th grade. After graduating from high school in Cylinder, Iowa, Jean worked as a telephone operator and was later promoted to office manager at the county’s ASCS farm services office.
She married Richard (Dick) Johnson, an Air Force airman, in June of 1958. The newlyweds lived in Offutt Air Force Base where they welcomed their first child, Nancy. After the arrival of their second child, Rich, Dick became the game warden of Harrison and Shelby counties which brought the Johnson family to Missouri Valley in 1964. And so began the Mrs. Game Warden “job” from 1960 thru the 90’s, providing the message service that was integral to Dick’s job since the listed Game Warden’s telephone number was the home number.
The enterprising Jean started a daycare in her house after her third child, Bruce, was born. In 1975 she elevated her business to a preschool in her basement. Hundreds of Mo Valley preschoolers attended Johnson Preschool over the years. When Jean retired from childcare in 1997, the mayor proclaimed “Jean Johnson Day” in honor of her 27 years of teaching and caring for the young children of the community.
Jean is also known as the loving and sweet “Grandma Jean” to her grandchildren Andy, Aaron, Allison, Kiera, and Kirsten, and her great-grandchildren Austin, Natalie, Blake, Tanner, and Breck. Unbeknownst to Jean, there is one more great-grandchild Abel on her way.
Jean and Dick have been active volunteers of St Patrick’s Catholic Church and many other community organizations.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband Dick, parents Agnes and Elmer, brother Darold, and sisters Lavonne and Beverly. She is survived by her brothers Steve and Rich, and sisters Marge, Ruth, and Agnes.
Jean is also survived by her 3 children and their families: Nancy Abel and husband Mike of Cheyenne WY, Richard Johnson and wife Grace of Bloomington MN, Bruce Johnson of Missouri Valley IA, and 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2022 St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Missouri Valley, Iowa, followed by a luncheon. Livestream will be available.
In lieu of Flowers family would like memorials to go to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
5 Comments
Jean was such a kind hearted woman and I am truly saddened to hear of her passing. I wish her soul nothing but peace
Thank you, Jim & Karen. We appreciate your kind words.
Thank you, Cody. We appreciate your kind words.
We so much enjoy friendship with Rich & Grace and their daughters that it is almost as if we knew his Mom & Dad too. As Rich’s parents’ qualities surely are being passed along via Rich & Grace. Blessings to all of Jean & Dick’s family.
Thank you, Jim & Karen. We appreciate your friendship and kindness.
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