Gary O Johnson

Gary Oliver Johnson, age 71, of Atlantic, Iowa, and formerly of Brayton, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic. He was born on February 17, 1954, in Manning, Iowa, the son of Oliver "Bud" Johnson and LaDeane (Christensen) Johnson.

A proud member of the Exira Jr.-Sr. High School Class of 1972, Gary spent his entire career working in the local agricultural industry, where he built lasting friendships and made meaningful contributions to the community. Gary was a man who lived life to the fullest. He loved to socialize and could often be found enjoying the outdoors — fishing, hunting, riding ATVs, camping, or playing a lively game of cards. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

In August 1975, Gary married Sharon (Gustafson) Johnson, and together they welcomed two children, Julie and Nick. On June 15, 1985, Gary married Connie (Wede) Johnson, and with this union, his family grew to include two more children, Katie and Jacob. One of Gary’s proudest achievements was celebrating 25 years of marriage with Connie, surrounded by family and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Johnson; his parents, Oliver and LaDeane Johnson; his brother, Jerry Johnson; and his in-laws, William and Betty Wede.

He is lovingly remembered by his children: Julie (Mike) Huegerich of Exira, Nick (Sara) Johnson of Rockwell, Katie Johnson and fiancée Jason Frederiksen of Marne, and Jacob Johnson of Exira; his beloved grandchildren: Kelli Nielson (Lorenzo Keahey) of Ankeny, Katie West (Cody Rush) of Onawa, McKenna (Gina Vollstedt) Wardrip of Manning, Hunter Westby, Colson Johnson, and Libby Johnson of Rockwell, Dasia Baxter, Logan Frederiksen, and Jorja Frederiksen of Marne, Hunter Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson of Exira; his sisters, Penny Nelsen of Exira and Peggy (Scott) Van Denberg of Pella, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-grandchildren.

Gary’s legacy of laughter, love, and living with heart will remain with all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Exira Event Center in Exira, IA with Jason Zaiger officiating. Burial will follow at the Exira Cemetery and a lunch at the Event Center in Exira. Visitation with the family present will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 5 PM till 7 PM at the Event Center in Exira.

Memorials can be made in his name and will be designated at a later date. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Exira is caring for the Johnson family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com