Jerry Johnston

Jerry Lee Johnston, 80, of Conrad, IA, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Iowa River Hospice in
Marshalltown, IA, with his beloved wife, Marjorie, by his side. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Beacon Christian Church in Conrad. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family receiving from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Conrad Chapel of Anderson Funeral Homes. Interment will follow services at the Conrad Cemetery. A luncheon will follow burial at the Conrad Legion. Memorials may be directed to the Shriner's Children's Hospital or the family for local designation. Anderson Funeral Homes formally the Johnston Funeral Home of Conrad, IA, has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Born on August 27, 1944, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Floyd and Thelma (Johnson) Johnston, Jerry graduated from Beaman-Conrad High School in 1962 before pursuing further education at the University of Northern Iowa. He went on to graduate with honors in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota in 1965.
On September 5, 1964, Jerry married the love of his life, Marjorie McKibben, in Liscomb, Iowa. In 1965, they moved to Des Moines where Jerry began his career at Dunn's Funeral Home, working there until 1968. The couple then moved to Conrad, where Jerry built a successful career and became a lifelong resident of the community he cherished. Together, Jerry and Marj operated Johnston Furniture Store until 1990 and Johnston Funeral Home until their retirement in 2006. The two took care of many families through the years with great honor. Jerry's commitment to service extended to the founding of Home Care of Iowa in 1984, which he co-founded with business partner TJ Johnsrud.
A man of deep community involvement, Jerry was a member of several Masonic lodges, including the Capital Masonic Lodge in Des Moines, Roman Masonic Lodge in Conrad, and Iowa City Masonic Lodge. He served as Worshipful Master in 1979 and was an active member of the Scottish Rite Consistory and Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, where he played trumpet in the Shrine Band. Jerry was also a dedicated member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, where he held various leadership positions, including 7th District Governor and served on the IFDA Education Committee.
In 1967, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served as Section Sergeant – Judge Advocate General Staff 103rd Support Brigade, earning an Honorable Discharge in 1972 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He also served the Conrad American Legion in numerous roles, including Commander, and was active on the scholarship committee for many years.
A lifelong member of the Conrad United Methodist Church, Jerry contributed in many ways, including teaching preschool Sunday School, singing in the choir, and serving on various committees such as Finance, Trustees, and the Domer Estate Committee.
Jerry's passion for life extended to boating on Lake Michigan and riding motorcycles with Marjorie, where they made lasting memories and friendships.
Jerry will be deeply missed by his wife, Marjorie; two sons, Todd Johnston of Buda, TX, and Brian (Alice) Johnston of Waterford, WI; three grandchildren, Courtney, Brandon, and Sophia; one sister, Jana (George) Smith of Conrad; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Thelma Johnston.
Jerry's legacy of service, love, and commitment to his family and community will continue to inspire all who knew him.