Lee R. Johnson

Lee R. Johnson, 76, of Des Moines passed away on April 26th, 2019 following a 6-year long battle with heart failure. Memorial services will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, with the visitation on Friday, May 3rd from 5 to 7 pm and funeral services on Saturday, May 4th at 10 am, with internment following at the Highland Memory Gardens. A reception will follow at the Saylor Township Fire Department Hall.

Lee Roy Johnson was born June 12th, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa and was the son of Thelma (Sandvick) and Lawrence Johnson. He was a life-long resident of Des Moines graduating from Des Moines Technical High School (Printing Core Area) in 1960. Lee served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963-1967, and was skilled as a Physiological Support Technician ensuring life support for aircrew on the U-2 and SR-71 aircraft. He transitioned to working for NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, making space suits and supporting astronauts from 1967-1968. Upon returning home to Des Moines, he met his future wife Dolores (Dee). They were married October 31st, 1969. With the help of his wife and the GI Bill, Lee attended Drake University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1972. During his working years, he was employed by Iowa Power and Light, General Growth Properites, Eliason and Knuth Drywall, and he retired from Anderson Erickson Dairy in 2001, after 25 years of service as an Office Manager and Computer Project Manager.

In his early life, Lee was a left handed fast pitch softball pitcher on teams in the Des Moines area. He loved playing tennis, golfing, fishing, camping, and boating. He coached numerous youth sports, including baseball, football, and basketball. In everything he did, he was passionate and fully dedicated.

Lee was a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Papa), and friend with strong beliefs in education and his Lutheran faith. He was enthusiastic about politics, history, music, sports, fishing, gardening, bird watching, photography and traveling. He adored dogs and especially his blue-heeler, Sadie, who was by his side for 15 years. He and Dee traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Norway, and several countries in Europe, along with many locations around North America. For the last 10 years they drove to Harlingen, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley where they spent the winter months enjoying the activities at Lakewood RV Resort. Lee took up wood carving and enjoyed working on projects for which he won awards including a blue ribbon on his green teal duck. He has touched and influenced so many people in his path. He will always be remembered for being a strong, humble, kindhearted and witty man, often telling people he was better than he deserved.

Survivors include his wife, Dee (together for over 50 years), stepson Brad Gulick, son Dana (Lisa) Johnson, daughter Deanna (Chad) McDanel with grandchildren Malia and Blakely, and Chris (Rachel) Nelson with great grandchildren Sophie and Sawyer. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother James.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Lee’s name to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or the Salvation Army.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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