Lory Nels Johnson Obituary

Lory Nels Johnson

August 17, 1938 - September 9, 2020
Ankeny, Iowa

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Memories & Candles

“Thinking of you as you continue to celebrate Lory´s life. So many memories, so many adjustments, so many days and moments of missing him. Please...Read More » ”
1 of 24 | Posted by: Terry and Carolyn Smith

“As a small child visiting the Johnson farm, he was always kind to me. ”
2 of 24 | Posted by: GREG JOHNSON

“Lori was my patient over the years at The Iowa Clinic, and I always enjoyed getting to work with him, as well as seeing him at the annual Lions Club...Read More » ”
3 of 24 | Posted by: Mallory Swenson - Ankeny, IA

“We miss you Lori. God be with you till we meet again. ”
4 of 24 | Posted by: Ahmed Agyeman - Ankeny, IA

“Lory always had a smile and a cheerful greeting. It was easy to enjoy his friendship. The good memories we shared will be fondly remembered. Our...Read More » ”
5 of 24 | Posted by: Doug and Karen Altman - Friend

“We are with you in spirit today. Although we can’t be at Lory’s service in person, we are watching online. He was a good, kind man and...Read More » ”
6 of 24 | Posted by: Robin Spahr - Friend

“I will be able to hear Lory's laugh for a long time. We shared a cubicle wall at the DE and we found humor in many things.Lory was always an advocate...Read More » ”
7 of 24 | Posted by: Susan Andersen - Des Moines, IA

“Mary, thinking of you and your family in this time of sorrow. God bless you. ”
8 of 24 | Posted by: Sherrie Swim - Neighbor

“Mr. Johnson was the greatest Teacher ever. Whenever he came to Bidwell he would always stop by and say hello to my sister and I. We really...Read More » ”
9 of 24 | Posted by: Sondrea & Mia - Student

“Mr. Johnson was the best Teacher ever. When he visited Bidwell he made sure he would say hello to my sister and I. He will be truly missed. He was a...Read More » ”
10 of 24 | Posted by: Mia & Sondrea - Student

“Mr. Johnson was the greatest Teacher ever, my sister and I really appreciated him. When he came to Bidwell he would come personally and say hello to...Read More » ”
11 of 24 | Posted by: Mia &Sondrea - Student

“He was a kind man. I did not know him well and had not seen him since Uncle Ike's 90th birthday party, but I remember how nice he was to me when I...Read More » ”
12 of 24 | Posted by: GREG JOHNSON - Family

“Sorry to hear this sad news. Always enjoyed visiting with Lory when I worked with him at the Iowa Dept of Education. Our prayers to the family...Read More » ”
13 of 24 | Posted by: MARVIN HRUBES - Coworker

“Mary Prayers for you and the boys and their families. So sorry to hear about Lorys passing ”
14 of 24 | Posted by: sharon miles - ankeny, IA

“Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers as you say “Good-bye” to Lory. He has led a very productive live, positively influencing...Read More » ”
15 of 24 | Posted by: Carolyn and Terry Smith - Friend

“I am so sorry, Mary. You have suffered great losses recently and I wish I could be there to give you a hug. Please know that I am thinking of you and...Read More » ”
16 of 24 | Posted by: Colleen McKenna Johnston - Ankeny, IA

“May the peace of the Lord be with you and your family. ”
17 of 24 | Posted by: Ray Cervetti - Johnston, IA

“Lory was always positive when I talked to him. I missed seeing him at church these last few months. He had a way of brightening your day when you...Read More » ”
18 of 24 | Posted by: Tony Rhoads - Friend

“Lory, you were always an important part of our family! Thank you for putting up with us for so long. You will be missed more than you could ever know...Read More » ”
19 of 24 | Posted by: Shirley Laird - Kansas City, MO

“I have so many wonderful memories of both Mary and Lory throughout the years. It would be hard to find a more compassionate couple, that's for sure....Read More » ”
20 of 24 | Posted by: Diane Silver - Urbandale, IA

“Barb and i were saddened to learn of Lory's death and wish to convey our sympathy and well wishes to Mary and the family. ”
21 of 24 | Posted by: Lou Piatt - Acquaintance

“Lory was a joy to work with on the Library Board. His wisdom, insight and passion for literacy and education were examples to all of us. I will...Read More » ”
22 of 24 | Posted by: Cami Brazelton - Ankeny, IA

“We send our thoughts and prayers to Mary and family. We feel special to call Lory our friend. He gave so much to all and did it gladly. We will miss...Read More » ”
23 of 24 | Posted by: Jim and Judi Logan - Ankeny, IA

“I am going to miss him very much, I enjoyed talking to him about hes garden and he was always proud of hes flowers and vegetables, I was so glad I...Read More » ”
24 of 24 | Posted by: Milagros Quijada-Stevens - Ankeny, IA

Lory Nels Johnson, 82, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2020, at Unity Point Hospital in Des Moines.

Due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, a virtual service will be held for Lory at Ankeny First United Methodist Church in Ankeny, Iowa (206 SW Walnut St.) Following CDC guidelines. Pastor Mike James will be officiating the funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2020. There is no formal visitation. A committal service will immediately follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens (4208 N Ankeny Blvd.). The live stream may be viewed by using this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/lori-johnson-memorial-gganbr2xviwh9hf7ch1l

Lory was born on August 17, 1938, in Sloan, Iowa. He was the second oldest of five children born to Frank and Mary Johnson. Lory was united in marriage to Mary L. Taylor, of Storm Lake, on April 18, 1965. They initially met in college and are both proud alumni of Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.

Lory liked to garden and to share the results of his planting with others. He was also known as the best candy maker for many fundraising events at his church. He served on numerous church boards and committees. Lory regularly helped at rummage sales, funerals, Bidwell Riverside, New Horizons, and other philanthropic groups. He was active in the Ankeny Lions Club, Ankeny First United Methodist Church, and was a long-time member of the Ankeny Public Library Board of Directors. Additionally, Lory was a state swimming official, ran the swimming venue at the Iowa Games, coordinated the Iowa State Fair Spelling Bee for over 25 years and volunteered in many groups in which his sons were involved.

Lory was a graduate of Morningside College. He earned an MA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He taught in the Milwaukee Public Schools before accepting the position of Language Arts Consultant for Iowa Department of Education. After retiring, he enjoyed teaching Composition and other courses for Des Moines Area Community College and Simpson College. He loved working with young adults and helping them excel to achieve their full potential and dreams.
Lory loved to be involved and interact with all people.

He is survived by his wife; Mary of 55 years, sons; Daniel (Amy), Michael (Kim), grandson; Mickey and Cody, and a bonus granddaughter, Kayla, brother; Tom (Oregon) and sister-in-law (Linda). Also surviving are a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, including sisters-in-law, Donna Miller and Shirley Laird, and many beloved friends.

He is preceded in death by three siblings: Fred, Herman and Linda, his parents, aunts, uncles, friends, and his mother-in-law, Wilma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Mary in Lory's honor. The donations will be distributed to the charitable organizations Lory gave his time to advancing.

To view the photo slideshow for Lory please visit: https://youtu.be/0JsuWYJ-6II

The live stream may be viewed by using this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/lori-johnson-memorial-gganbr2xviwh9hf7ch1l

Memories & Candles

Page: 3 of 3

Barb and i were saddened to learn of Lory's death and wish to convey our sympathy and well wishes to Mary and the family.

Posted by: Lou Piatt - Acquaintance Sep 11, 2020

Lory was a joy to work with on the Library Board. His wisdom, insight and passion for literacy and education were examples to all of us. I will always remember fondly Lory's kindness to me when I joined the Board, and his support and dedication as the library organization experienced huge changes over the last several years. His leadership and friendship will be missed. Thinking of you, Mary, and family.

Posted by: Cami Brazelton - Ankeny, IA - Friend Sep 11, 2020

We send our thoughts and prayers to Mary and family. We feel special to call Lory our friend. He gave so much to all and did it gladly. We will miss him and his spunky and fun demeanor. It was a gift to know him.

Posted by: Jim and Judi Logan - Ankeny, IA - Friend Sep 10, 2020

I am going to miss him very much, I enjoyed talking to him about hes garden and he was always proud of hes flowers and vegetables, I was so glad I gave him a very big hug a few days ago, I still have he's funny voicemails to me, just explaining what was next to do on his list , or to figure out how to do it. I thank God for the opportunity to me him, and for sure he knows I will take care and look after Mary for him.
Love you and miss you always.
Millie

Posted by: Milagros Quijada-Stevens - Ankeny, IA - Friend Sep 10, 2020

Page: 3 of 3

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