Gerald "Gerry" Johnson

Gerald “Gerry” Johnson, 81, of Spencer passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Sanford USD Medical Center and Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. A celebration of life will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Brandon VFW in Brandon, SD. Graveside Military Rites will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024, in the Riverside Cemetery on Spencer, IA, conducted by the Glen Pederson American Legion Post #1 and the Clay County VFW Post #3159 both of Spencer, IA. Following the graveside services, there will be a Celebration of Life Service held at Plaza Mexico in Spencer. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com Gerry was born on July 1, 1942, to Vernon and Jessie (Engelkes) Johnson in Sibley, IA. Gerry served his country right out of high school. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served for 28 years in the Air Force & Air National Guard. Gerry was a proud Vietnam veteran. After his honorable discharge, he reenlisted in the Air National Guard where he continued to serve his country. Gerry continued his career working as an Aircraft Mechanic. Gerry loved serving on the crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress out of Oshkosh Wisconsin. They sold rides, tours and traveled all over the U.S. and did a few air shows. Gerry was united in marriage to Shirley Bechler on October 20, 1961. To this union two children were born, Kimberly and Joseph. She preceded him in death. Gerry was later married to Katherine Boggess on August 14, 1987, in Sioux Falls, SD. Gerald loved to fish, hunt, cook and barbecue. He enjoyed working on and showing off his Volkswagen’s. He also enjoyed creating different BBQ sauces for family and friends. His sauces were so good that Smokin’ Jakes in the lakes area hired him to professionally make their sauces for the restaurant. He enjoyed meeting all his buddies for morning coffees, going out for lunch, and hanging out at the Barber Shop telling stories. He enjoyed having summer BBQs and inviting all his friends and family. He was a member of the Black Knights Car Club and the Porsche Club of America. In his free time, he volunteered his time to driving Vets to their appointments and helped organize the honor flights that took Vets to DC. He proudly got to be on one of those flights. He was passionate about old cars, collecting guns and watching old westerns. Gerald was a good friend to many and always made new friends wherever he went. He was the best dad anyone could ask for and he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and proud to be a great grandfather who loved his family very much. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Katy Johnson of Spencer, IA; daughter Kimberly (Rodney) Hanson of Crooks, SD and their children Hunter Hanson of Crooks, SD and Taylor Hanson of Sioux Falls, SD; son Joseph (Kiana) Johnson of Primghar, IA and their children Sam (Shelby) Johnson of Seney, IA, Alivia (Kevin) Grothaus of Royal, IA and Sutton Johnson of Primghar, IA; and a great grandson Henry Grothaus, Royal, IA; brother Dwight Johnson of OK; sisters Lori (Loren) Bosma of Sibley, IA and Valerie (John) Janssen of Sibley, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marlene, brother Larry, infant sister Marcella and grand dog Gracie.

Gerald "Gerry" Johnson

July 1, 1942 - December 26, 2023