David Johnson

In Loving Memory
David W. Johnson
April 23, 1952 - September 6, 2021

To view Dave's funeral service go to:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z6C4m7kSHXg

VISITATION
Thursday, September 9, 2021
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa

SERVICE
Friday, September 10, 2021
10:30 A.M.
Hope Reformed Church
Spencer, Iowa

CLERGY
Pastor Perry DeGroot

INTERMENT
Crown Hill Cemetery
Friday at 1:30 P.M.
Ruthven, Iowa

David William Johnson, son of LaVerne and Viola (Steinbeck) Johnson, was born April 23, 1952 in Primghar, Iowa.  While in high school Dave developed an interest in cooking and began working at Stub’s House of Plenty in Spencer.  He graduated from Spencer High School in 1970.  Dave continued his education at Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City where he graduated with a degree in Police Science.

On June 17, 1972 Dave was united in marriage to Rebecca Mae Malm at the United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg.  They were blessed with a son and two daughters. 

After being married Dave continued cooking in Spencer until accepting a position with the Alton Police Department.  He and Becky returned to Spencer where he cooked for a few years prior to opening the Hi-way Café in Ruthven.  While living in Ruthven Dave became the town policeman which later led him to become a Deputy in the Sheriff’s Department for Palo Alto County.  He remained in this capacity until his retirement on June 30, 2005.  After his retirement Dave began cooking at the Hy-Vee deli.

Dave was a member of Hope Reformed Church where he served as an elder and a deacon.  He was also involved with two mission trips to Haiti.  Dave was a lifetime member of the Iowa Sheriffs and Deputies Association.  He volunteered at the Ruthven school doing presentations on drug awareness.

Dave enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. He liked the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed doing yard work and caring for his flower beds around the acreage.  He also loved attending auctions which aided in the development of his second career.  He opened an antique and second hand store in Spencer, The Spencer Furniture and Antique Store, which he was still operating.  Dave loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He taught all of the kids how to play Pinochle, Euchre and how to roller skate.  He rarely missed an event that his children and grandchildren participated in.

Dave passed away Monday, September 6, 2021 at his home near Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 69.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mike Johnson; father-in-law, Darius Malm; brother-in-law, Dennis Malm; and nephew, Jasen Petersen.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca of Spencer, Iowa; his children, Patrick Johnson of Spencer, Iowa, Jill (David) Conlon of Ruthven, Iowa and Laurie (Shane) Darr of Ayrshire, Iowa; grandchildren, Jacob, Charlie, Gabrielle, Jenna and Linus, Nolan, Andrea and William; a sister, Pamela Petersen of Spencer, Iowa; mother-in-law, Florence Malm of Emmetsburg, Iowa; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steven (Ruth) Malm of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Sue (Roger) Faulstick of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Kent (Tati) Malm of Emmetsburg, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home