Melvin D Johnson

Melvin D Johnson, age 96, of Schaller, passed away on Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society of Holstein.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 10:30 AM at the Schaller United Methodist Church of Schaller with Pastor Kristin Boysen officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date.

Melvin Dewey Johnson was born December 3, 1921 in Battle Creek, Iowa to Dewey and Hattie (Hanson) Johnson.  He was raised in Ida Grove, Iowa and graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1939.  He was drafted into the Army Air Force on December 21, 1942 and fought in WWII until April 27, 1946.  He earned a WWII Victory Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon and Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Ribbon for his service.

Melvin was united in marriage to Joyce Presley Wright on August 20, 1952, they were later divorced.  He married Juanita Morgan Stratton on July 1, 1978 in Hartley, Iowa.  They made their home in Schaller, Iowa.

Melvin farmed the family farm from 1946-1968, then worked for the Ida County Highway Department from 1968 until his retirement in 1986.

He was a member of the Schaller United Methodist Church.  Melvin enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and working outside in his yard.  He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty Fairchild and Arlene Magnussen; and brother, Duane Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Johnson of Holstein, IA; step-daughter, Lisa (Darrin) Schmidt of Holstein, IA; step-sons, David (Nancy) Wright of Cayuga, TX and Donald (Ann) Wright of San Augustine, TX; special step-granddaughter, Jadyn Schmidt of Holstein, IA and nine additional step-grandchildren; and numerous step-great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Peterson of McKinleyville, CA and several nieces and nephews.