Dean Johnson

D. Dean Johnson, 97, passed away on January 20,2024 at Mercy Medical Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Dean was born in Sigourney, Iowa on October 17, 1926 to Ben Johnson, Jr. and Waneta M. (Strong) Johnson. After graduating from Mitchellville High School in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy, and served his country on the aircraft carrier USS Wasp from 1944 to 1947. Dean was united in marriage to Lorraine M. Hunsicker on July 27, 1946. They had two children, Pamela and Gary. Dean was the owner/manager of Klein’s Department Store in Highland Park, Des Moines, Iowa, for 38 years.

Dean was an active member of King David Lodge #407 in Altoona, Iowa, for 68 years. He served as Worshipful Master in 1963. He was also a member of Operative Lodge #308 in Polk City where he served as Worshipful Master in 1994. He was a District Lecturer (#2394) since 1965. Dean served as an officer of the Grand Lodge of Iowa AF & AM on four separate occasions: Senior Grand Deacon (1983-1984), Senior Grand Warden (1987-1988), Deputy Grand Master (1993-1994), and Grand Master of Masons in Iowa in 1996-1997. Dean was a member of the Des Moines York Rite Bodies, Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, and was formerly a member of Des Moines Court #46 Royal Order of Jesters. He had received the Knight Commander Court of Honour (KCCH) in the Scottish Rite. He was a member and Past Sovereign of St. Bartholomew Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. Dean was a member of Altoona Chapter #284 and Polk City Chapter #361 Order of the Eastern Star. He was active in the Order of DeMolay, where he received the Honorary Legion of Honor and was an Emeritus member of the Supreme Council, International Order of DeMolay.

Dean was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, he was involved in the Bondurant American Legion, served on the board of Goodwill Industries, was a member of the USS Wasp Association, and the Strong Family Association of America.

Dean is survived by his children, Pamela K. Johnson, and Gary L. (Sherry) Johnson; two grandchildren, Joshua (Stephanie) Waters, and Courtney (Brandon) Neal; five great-grandchildren; one brother, John F. (Helen) Johnson; and his loving companion, Rhea Dennis.

Dean was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorraine (Hunsicker) Johnson; Ardis Lanzilotta; brother, James H. Johnson; and sister, Patricia M. Peters.

Family will greet friends Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th St SW in Altoona. A memorial service will take place at the funeral home, on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM.

Please join the family at King David Lodge, 707 8th St. SE in Altoona, following the ceremony for fellowship and a light lunch. Burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery, 1550 48th St. in Des Moines, Iowa at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum Building Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 279, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406, in memory of D. Dean Johnson.

Online condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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