Janel Marie Johnson

Janel Marie Johnson, 61, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Des Moines, Iowa. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no services held at this time. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Elma, Iowa.

Janel was born on February 23, 1964, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur John Sr. and Theola (Drake) Drtina. She was a graduate of Linn-Mar High School, Class of 1982, married her high school sweetheart, Shannon Johnson (divorced in 1992) and had two children, Kevin and Krystal. Janel later went on to attend Hamilton Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in accounting. She worked various jobs including accounting, veterinary assisting, food service, cleaning, and hospitality. Janel also worked for several years at Pizza Place in Lake Delhi, Iowa. She had a special place in her heart for animals and enjoyed gardening, both flowers and vegetables. Janel loved to sing and dance with the family band, The Ramblin' Fever, and always was the ‘Life of the Party’. Janel will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Janel is survived and lovingly remembered by her children, Kevin (Dana) Johnson of Waukon, Iowa, and Krystal (Brent) Klostermann of Alburnett, Iowa; six grandchildren, Henry, Nora, and Nolan Johnson, Rayna, Bennet, and Sadie Klostermann; one sister, Linda (Paul) Carpenter of Spokane, Washington; brother-in-law, Pat Hills; sisters-in-law, Gladys Drtina and Teresa Drtina; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Sr. and Theola; two brothers, Don “Big” and Arthur Jr. “Bud”; and one sister, Debra.