Kyle D Johnson
April 14, 2008
Kyle Douglas Johnson, 18, passed away April 14, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Friday at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th Street SW, Altoona. Burial will follow at Powers-Warren Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 pm Thursday at the Church.
Kyle came into this world to brighten the lives of others on New Years Day 1990, in Des Moines to Doug and Lisa Johnson. He attended school at Southeast Polk, where he was a senior and mentor to many teammates and students at SEP.
At home he was such a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, and grandson. At school he would go out of his way to help someone–anyone in need. Kyle truly enjoyed working together with his dad on the ball fields and at home. He grew to be a truly good person, always eager to help others. He was looked up to by many and loved by all who knew him. He touched many lives in his few short years. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.
Kyle was a captain of the football team in his senior year and ran track. He would have graduated with the class of 2008.
Kyle is loved by his parents, his sister, Julianne Johnson, his grandmother, Marianne Caudill, his aunt, Tracey Caudill, his uncle and aunt, Steve and Kim Caudill, his cousin, Elizabeth Caudill, and his uncle, Dave Johnson. Kyle was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Melvin and Sharon Johnson.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of the Cross or SE Polk Dollars for Scholars.
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Leisha Johnson
04/18/2008
Doug,
Words cannot express our feelings of sorrow for you and your family.
Kaylee and I were truly blessed to have known Kyle.
The Gift He Gave
04/18/2008
A Child of Mine
I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine, Christ said.
For you to love the while he lives,
and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
and should his stay be brief
You'll have his lovely memories of solace in your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn
I looked the wild world over, in search of teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lane,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
not think the labor vain--
Nor hate Me when I come to you
and take him home again.
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done."
For all the many joys he'll bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness
and love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him
much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand
Finding God's Grace
04/18/2008
Doug, Lisa, and Julianne
May the outpouring from the community be a source of comfort to you to know Kyle and your family have touched so many and can be a testimony to all that is good when the light is allowed to pierce the darkness. May all use this time of mourning to also CELEBRATE and remember that Kyle's life was better to have had than to never had experienced at all...
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down
in green pastures; he leadeth me
beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul;
he leadeth me in
the paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies;
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.
Tracey Rosenberger-Casey (Class of 86)
04/18/2008
Doug and Family:
I remember you from high school playing in the band. I just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry for your losses. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers constantly.
Heather Bittner
04/18/2008
Our family is keeping you in our prayers. May God fill you his mighty strength and peace during your time of grief, and may you feel the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
God Bless,
Heather, George, Austin & Brandon Bittner
Julie Guzman
04/18/2008
My daughter, Amanda Meeks, was one of Kyle's best friends. My husband Dan and I were also friends of your brother David. The magnitude of the tragedy your family has experienced is unspeakable. Words cannot begin to express the depth of your loss. Just know that your family is in the thoughts and prayers of an entire community.
Julie Hengstenberg
04/18/2008
The Johnson Family,
My Family at home and our Family here at school are thinking of all of you and our thoughts will surround you with love. I can't begin to understand but I think of you often and pray for you now in your time of need. May peace be with you. We Love you from our family to yours.
Love Julie, Josh, Teigh, Andy Hengstenberg
Terri Kane
04/18/2008
We are Kelsey Kane's family. As I write this , my heart is heavy with sorrow and sympathy for your loss. Your family has been in my thoughts all week. We are so very sorry for your loss and hope that with support and prayers from family and friends it will help some how. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With heartfelt sympathy,
The Kane Family
Missy, Tim, Katie and Matt Heater
04/17/2008
Dear Doug and Lisa,
My family and I would like to offer you our condolences. Our daughter Katie is a junior at SEP and told us the heart-wrenching news about Kyle. As a parent I can't even imagine the loss you are experiencing. It's something no parent should ever have to go through. Even though we hadn't had the honor of meeting your son I've heard nothing but great things about him. The SEP area is like a large family and I have no doubt that you are surrounded by people who love and care for you.
Please know that my family and I are thinking and praying for you and your whole family.
A family from SEP.
The Heater's
From A Distance
04/17/2008
Throught the Tears:
You asked, "How am I doing?"
As I told you, tears came to my eyes...
and you looked away and quickly began to talk again.
All the attention you had given me drained away.
"How am I doing?"...I do better when people listen,
though I may shed a tear or two.
This pain is indescribable.
If you've never known it you cannot fully understand.
Yet I need you.
When you look away,
When I'm ignored,
I am again alone with it
Your attention means more than you can ever know.
Really, tears are not a bad sign, you know!
They're nature's way of helping me to heal...
They relieve some of the stress of sadness.
I know you fear that asking how I'm doing brings me sadness
...but you're wrong.
The memory of my loved one's death will always be with me,
Only a thought away.
My tears make my pain more visible to you, but you did not
give me the pain...it was already there.
When I cry, could it be that you feel helpless, not knowing
what to do?
You are not helpless,
And you don't need to do a thing but be there.
When I feel your permission to allow my tears to flow,
you've helped me
You need not speak. Your silence as I cry is all I need.
Be patient...do not fear.
Listening with your heart to "how I am doing"
relieves the pain,
for when the tears can freely come and go, I feel lighter.
Talking to you releases what I've been wanting to say aloud,
clearing space
for a touch of joy in my life.
I'll cry for a minute or two...
and then I'll wipe my eyes,
and sometimes you'll even find I'm laughing later.
When I hold back the tears, my throat grows tight,
my chest aches, my stomach knots...
because I'm trying to protect you from my tears.
Then we both hurt...me, because my pain is held inside,
a shield against our closeness...and you,
because suddenly we're distant.
So please, take my hand and see me through my tears...
then we can be close again.
The Morris Family
04/18/2008
Dear Johnson Family,
Please accept my family's sincere condolences for the loss of your son, Kyle.
My son, Chris, is a junior at SEP. He didn't know Kyle well, but he and his friends have described Kyle as "a really cool guy" and it is obvious that they liked, admired, and respected Kyle. Kyle's spirit will live forever in their hearts and memories.
I pray that Kyle has found peace and tranquility at the feet of our Lord and that your family will find strength in the Lord and in the love and support of each other during this extremely difficult time.
Peace be with you.
~~~~~
Miss Me, But Let Me Go
Author Unknown
When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that was once shared.
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take,
and each must go alone.
Its all a part of the masters plan, a
step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
go to the friends we know.
Bear your sorrow in good deeds.
Miss me, but let me go.
~~~~~
From A Distance
04/17/2008
May Heaven's Love Reach You Doug, Lisa, and Julianne
In Memory of You
I find an old photograph
and see your smile.
As I feel your presence anew,
I am filled with warmth
and my heart remembers love.
I read an old card
sent many years ago
during a time of turmoil and confusion.
The soothing words written then
still caress my spirit
and bring me peace.
I remember who you used to be
the laughter we shared
and wonder what you have become.
Where are you now,
Where did you go,
When the body is left behind
and the spirit is released to fly?
Perhaps you are the morning bird
singing joyfully at sunrise,
or the butterfly that dances
so carelessly on the breeze
or the rainbow of colors
that brightens a stormy sky
or the fingers of afternoon mist
delicately reaching over the mountains
or the final few rays of the setting sun
lighting up the skies
edging the clouds with a magical glow.
I miss your being
but I feel your presence,
In whatever form you choose to take,
however you now choose to be.
Your spirit has become for me
a guardian angel on high
guiding, advising, and watching over me.
I remember you.
You are with me
and I am not afraid.
Tim & Melissa Speed
04/17/2008
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. You have been great neighbors to us and it is truly appreciated, please know that we are here at anytime day or night if you need anything at all.
The Rieks' Family
04/17/2008
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Melody Brownell
04/17/2008
Doug - I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart just goes out to you and your family during this really tough time. Just wanted you and your family to know that I'm thinking about you.