Spencer Johnson

spencer johnson
Spencer Orville Johnson, age 94 of Fredericksburg, Iowa died Friday, January 15, 2020, at Linn Haven Health Center in New Hampton, IA. Spencer was born January 22,1926, on the family farm in southern Howard County, the son of Andrew and Anna (Thompson)Johnson. On November 11,1951, at Crane Creek Lutheran Church, in rural Lawler, he married Erma Oriette Haugen. During the Korean War, he served in the Army and had his son, Larry, while stationed at a base in Marysville, California. In 1954, the family moved to a farm east of Fredericksburg. They welcomed their daughter, Janet, in 1960. Growing up, he only spoke Norwegian until he started school, and he was able to recite the Norwegian ‘Table Prayer’ for family gatherings. Spencer was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg where he was an elder and the fishing trips with Pastor Jeffery Crane. He served as board member of the Fredericksburg Cooperative. He was a wonderful grandpa and uncle that gave countless tractor rides and photo sessions sitting on cows. He always had a candy and pop treat in the refrigerator. He was a regular euchre player in Jerico and was one of their best players. Dancing was his specialty, both cheek-to-cheek kitchen dances and spins around the dance floor at weddings. In 2001, he had the honor of representing his community as Grand Dairyman for Fredericksburg Dairy Day. Spencer was a regular attendee of Dairy Day, and took many children of friends and family on merry-go-round rides. Spencer is survived by his son, Larry (Gail) of North Liberty, Iowa; his daughter, Janet (Calvin) Steege of Fredericksburg; 2 sisters, Hazel Newgard of Glenville, MN; Norma Jean (Robert) McArthur of Victoria, British Columbia; brother-in-law Donald (Betty) Haugen of Waterloo: four grandchildren, Alissa (Scott) Harringtonof Oakland, CA, Ryan (Jamie) Steege of Fredericksburg, Andra (Van) Gould of North Liberty, Iowa, Alex (Morgan) Steege of Fredericksburg. Six great-grandchildren, Erin,Ella, Cora, Spencer, Jack, and Wells and many very special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Erma; his parents; one sister, Mavis Hereid, Robert Johnson in infancy, Thomas Johnson, and many loving relatives and friends with whom he is now reunited. There will be a private funeral for the family at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, IA on Friday, January 22, 2021 with Pastor Ronnie Koch officiating. PLEASE JOIN THE FAMILY VIA FACEBOOK LIVE ON CONWAY-MARKHAM FUNERAL HOME’S FACEBOOK PAGE AT 1:30 PM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22. Burial will follow with military rites provided by Fredericksburg American Veterans Post 90. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Cards or memorials can be sent to Janet Steege 2825 Stanley Avenue, Fredericksburg, IA 50630.

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  1. Dearest Janet, Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Spencer was a very special man. Love ‘n Hugs, Wayne & Pat Arnold

  2. So sorry for your family’s loss Janet. I seldom get winked at anymore at my age but your dad winked at me every day ! I will miss him. Prayers for healing and comfort. ♥️🙏

  3. So sorry Larry, Janet and families. He was a good man that lived a good long life. May he rest in peace with Erma. Hugs to all.

  4. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Loved his smile. Enjoyed visiting with him on the Honor flight several years ago. Heard the story how he and my dad rode the bus together when they left for the service and were on the same honor flight. Pretty cool. Hugs!

  5. I always remember your parents coming to Jerico when mom owned the bar. Such nice people. Prayers for strength and peace during this difficult time. Sherry Grober

  6. My sympathies to the family. Spencer had a gentle friendliness about him that drew you in, and such a sharp and joyful euchre player! Hugs to you all.

  7. Sending Prayers For Strength & Peace During This Sad Time. Janet, Am So Sorry For Your Loss. Bet You, Like I, Will Always Be “Daddy’s Girl.” Love & God Bless You & Your Family.

  8. So very sorry for the loss of your father. Remember spending time out on the family farm and the polka music in the barn. Very nice person. Cherish your memories and he’ll always be with you.

  9. Light a CandleRest Spencer, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army, Korean War.


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