John J. Johnson

1935 - 2025

John J Johnson

February 27, 1935 - February 26, 2025

John Joseph Johnson (JJ), passed away February 26, 2025, in Naples, Florida with his daughters by his side at age 89, a day before his 90th birthday and their 65th wedding Anniversary.

John was born February 27, 1935, in Mason City, IA to Marion Rickord and Gazina (Becker) Johnson. John was one of four siblings. He graduated high school from East St. Louis Illinois High School. John was united in marriage to, Patricia Denyce Lannon on February 27, 1960. Together they raised their four children in a loving home.

John was a great and respected Dad, a role model to many. He instilled a strong work ethic and much compassion in his children. He welcomed everyone and looked down on no one. He had a great sense of adventure, providing fun times for the family. He enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, downhill and cross country skiing, and a Hot-Air-Balloon pilot winning a few competitive races. He served on the board of Balloon Federation of America's Championship Board for six years and was the Assistance Race Director of the National Balloon Classic in 2000.

John was an independent insurance agent, an owner and partner at Edwards-Brandt Insurance & Real Estate Agency in Mason City, IA. He served as President of Edwards-Brandt, Life Underwriters, The Big I, and the Mason City Ambassadors. He was a long-time member of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce and the Mason City Country Club.

John retired in 1998 and moved to Bradenton, Florida where he and Pat traded ballooning for boating. They joined the Mt. Vernon Boat Club and John served as Commodore. In 2011, they moved to The Glades Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida. John served on The Glades board as an Insurance Advisor. A golf group was created proudly named JJ and sons. He loved golf and achieved 13 Hole-in-Ones! John and Pat were thrilled when both their daughters and husbands' bought places in The Glades bringing more family to create fun memories. His life was truly well lived.

Those left to cherish memories of John are his children Julie (Tom) Ricke, John (Joy) Johnson, David (Colette) Johnson, and Denyce (Don) Wingert; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Courtney (Adam) Schulte and children Peyton, Mia, Addison, and Trice; Morgan Smith and children Lannon and Calliope; Dr. Jacob (Wylie) Ricke; Ali (Cameron) Clark and children Maggie and Gabe; Taylor Johnson; Madilyn Johnson; Philip (Brooke) Johnson, Ana Johnson and Sam Johnson; in-laws: Kay Brandt, Mickey Funkhouser, Jim (Esther) Lannon, and Fr. Tim Lannon; as well as many other extended family and great friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Gazina Johnson; siblings Cheryl Koeneman, Ramona Scholl, and Max Johnson; father and mother in-law Dr. James and Eileen Lannon; brother in laws Ned Brandt, Dave Funkhouser; sister-in-law Jean Bird; and nephew Jim Brandt. Most importantly, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia who passed away on January 8, 2025. John and Pat never spent an anniversary apart and for that we are grateful.

A celebration of life for Pat and John will be held in Mason City, Iowa at Holy Family Catholic Church on Saturday June 7th, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The Celebrant will be Pat's brother, Father Timothy Lannon, SJ. Luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Avow Hospice House Naples, FL.