Thomas Johnson

Thomas N. Johnson, 80, of Iowa Falls passed away Tuesday, July 16th at his home. He was born May 31, 1944, in Hampton, Iowa, the son of Robert G. and Helen L. (Mahoney) Johnson. He graduated from Franklin Consolidated Schools in 1962 and later began work for Farmers Hybrid in Hampton delivering swine breeding stock to customers. He also served as a volunteer firefighter in Latimer.

In 1967 he married Sandra Christensen in Clear Lake, Iowa. They moved to a farm in rural Iowa Falls in 1975 where he grew row crops while raising pigs and purebred shorthorn cattle, which was his favorite agricultural pursuit. Tom’s enthusiasm for shorthorns and the cattle industry began at a young age, growing up farming and raising shorthorns with his dad and older brother Jim. Later in life Tom served several years as president of the Iowa Shorthorn Association and in 2011 he and Sandy were the Iowa Royal Honored Breeders of the year. He also earned a Franklin County Master Pork Producer award. He retired in 2014.

Tom greatly enjoyed playing golf, particularly with his family. He also cherished time spent in nature and hunting, whether it be pursing upland game birds, turkeys, or the occasional deer, but his favorite excursions were those for waterfowl in southwest Iowa.

Tom is survived by his wife Sandy Johnson of Iowa Falls, a daughter Amy (Leland) Shipley of Nodaway, a son Matthew Johnson (Melissa Steiner) of Norwalk, two grandchildren Connor Shipley of Des Moines and Sarah Shipley of Ames, and a brother James (Norene) Johnson of Eldora. He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Helen Johnson and father-in-law and mother-in-law Raymond and Marlys Christensen.

His family will hold a private graveside service and will miss Tom’s wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and companionship. Memorials may be directed to the family c/o Thomas Johnson Memorial: Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126.