Dennis James Johnson, 80

Dennis James Johnson, age 80, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the son of James Herman and Clara (Frey) Johnson on October 12, 1944, at the De Boer sisters maternity home in Aplington, Iowa. He received his education and graduated from the Aplington High School in 1962. Dennis began running the family farm at a young age.

On February 15, 1964, Dennis was united in marriage with Janice Elaine Schipper at Bethel Reformed Church, rural Aplington. They made their home on the family farm north of Aplington. Dennis was a grain farmer and raised hogs. He also worked part-time at Phelps Implement in Grundy Center, Iowa for several years. He retired from farming in 2017.

Dennis was a lifelong member of Bethel Reformed Church. He also was a member of the Jay-Cee’s, Elks Club and Pheasants Forever. Through the years he enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting, and fishing up north on Big Winnie Lake, and snowmobiling. Many winters Dennis and Janice enjoyed going south to Florida and the rest of the year they enjoyed going to their cabin in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin with their family. Dennis enjoyed family time especially with his grandkids and great-grandkids. 

On Monday, September 22, 2025, Dennis passed away at Premier Estates in Toledo of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Clara Johnson.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janice Johnson of Marshalltown; two children, Sandi (Randy) Emerson of Newton, and Scott (Karen) Johnson of Garwin; four grandchildren, Josh Carroll, Alyssa Carroll, Andrew Johnson and Jessica Johnson; one great-granddaughter, Soffia Tucker; one great-great-grandson, David; four step-grandchildren, Brandon Emerson, Josh Emerson, Randy Emerson and Christianna Pierce; two step great-grandchildren, MacKenzie Emerson and Carson Emerson; one brother-in-law, Arthur (Diane) Schipper of Aplington; a sister, Janice Wiese of New Hartford; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Schipper of Madison, AL.

The funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Bethel Reformed Church in Aplington.  Pastor Trey Schupbach officiated the service.  The organist was 

Belva Schipper and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “In The Garden”, “One Day At A Time” and “I’ll Fly Away”.  Burial was held at Bethel Reformed Cemetery in rural

Aplington, with Josh Carroll, Andy Johnson, Mark Eilers, Jimmy Meyer, Josh Peters and Randy Runge serving as Casketbears.  Honorary Casketbearers were Ed Hefty and Donny Hosch.  

Visitation was held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Redman Funeral Home in Parkersburg and one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com