Dale Dean Johnson, 03 Apr 1952 - 11 Mar 2025

JOHNSON, RADEKE, FRANEY

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 3/20/2025 at 15:21:55

Dale Johnson, 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 11, 2025, following a short illness.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service in Belle Plaine from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be on Monday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Victor, with interment at Marengo Cemetery.

Dale was born to Wayne and Ellen Johnson on April 3, 1952, at Cornbelt Hospital in Belle Plaine. He attended school and graduated from Belle Plaine Community Schools in 1970.

A lifelong farmer, he always looked forward to helping during the spring and fall, especially driving the tractor. He was incredibly proud of the family farm and found great joy in seeing the sixth generation of Johnsons continue farming.

In 1987, Dale founded Johnson Insurance, working out of his home. In 2006, the business moved to Belle Plaine, where he continued working actively until his retirement in December 2024. He loved working alongside his sons—Chris on the farm and Greg in the insurance business.

Dale was a hardworking man and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a compassionate and caring person who found great joy in being surrounded by family. His strong family values were instilled in his children, especially Julie, who always made it a priority to check in on him. His legacy of love, dedication, and kindness will continue to live on through all three of his children.

Dale always enjoyed company trips with Jo. The friendships made always brought a smile to his face! He had a passion for sports, playing softball and volleyball for many years and enjoyed watching Hawkeye football and basketball. More importantly, he loved watching his grandkids play. It was not uncommon to see him driving around the countryside checking crops with their dog Bobbi Sue hanging out the window.

Dale was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Victor and served on the Board of Directors for Farmers 4 County Co-op and Heartland Co-op.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo Ann (Radeke); his children, Chris (Sara), Julie (David Terry), and Greg (Marsha); nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, with a third expected soon; his sister, Carole (Dennis) Franey; sisters-in-law, Donna Radeke and Joanne Radeke; and seven nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Ellen Johnson; his in-laws, George and Doris Radeke; and his brothers-in-law, Allen Radeke, Robert Radeke and Steven Radeke.

In lieu of flowers, you may direct memorials to the family for charitable donations.

Published in The Hometown Current on March 19, 2025, an abbreviated version was published in The Gazette on March 15, 2025.