Mearl Johnson

DUE TO FEDERAL AND STATE GUIDANCE ON GATHERINGS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MASKS ARE SUGGESTED AT THE VISITATION AND MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Mearl Dale Johnson was born on July 19, 1929, to John and Anna (Kjeer) Johnson in Moorhead, Iowa. He attended school through eighth grade in Moorhead and then went to work for farmers in the area. On November 28, 1948, Mearl married Betty Hinkel at the Lutheran Church outside of Moorhead. The couple lived in Sioux City for a while before moving to Omaha and then Council Bluffs. Mearl was a foreman in the shipping department at Consolidated Supply until they moved to the farm outside of Dunlap in the 1980’s. In 2017, Mearl and Betty sold the farm and moved to their house in Woodbine.

Mearl loved John Deere tractors. He collected and restored them and when they left the farm, he had 32 tractors. Mearl had a vivid imagination which made him an amazing storyteller. He loved to tease people, always pulling one over on his kids and grandkids. Mearl was also a very patient man and never lost his temper. He cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Mearl died on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at CHI Community Memorial Hospital at the age of 91 years, two months and 11 days.

Mearl was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Kevin; three grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Leone Murdock and Virgia Savory. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty; six children, Judy (Chuck), Shirley (Ray), Sally (Glen), Gloria (Rick), Sandy (Kirk), and John (Deneen); 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Jeanette Peyton; and many other relatives and friends.