Noah Giovanni Johnston

Noah Giovanni Johnston was born on December 6, 2003, to Shannon and John Johnston in Des Moines, Iowa. From the very beginning, he had everyone wrapped around his tiny finger. He spent his first two years living in Des Moines, right next door to his built-in best friends - his cousins. When his baby brother was on the way, the family moved to Indianola, Iowa, where days and nights were filled with dinners, birthday parties, game nights, and countless moments with friends and loved ones. Noah had a way of drawing people in, whether he was entertaining the neighbors, captivating strangers with his charm, or simply flashing the smile that could light up a room. He could be quiet and observant, but never for long; it only took a moment for his warmth to shine through. Noah was a light that burned brilliantly, a spark you could never ignore. He lived his "dash" between those dates with fearless joy, taking on challenges with a grin and a determination to prove you wrong if you doubted him. His heart was big and tender, his spirit wild in all the best ways. He made friends everywhere he went and dreamed of a life spent traveling the world, always chasing the next adventure. Noah grew up surrounded by a strong community. He attended Indianola Preschool, Irving Elementary, and graduated with the Indianola High School Class of 2022 - a tight-knit group he cherished especially for the lifelong friendships. After graduation, he attended Southwestern Community College to play baseball for a short time before deciding to join the United States Marine Corps in 2024. Sports and competition were in Noah's blood. He could try any sport and excel, but baseball was his great love. He was an avid Yankee's fan, and could usually be seen sporting a new Yankees hat. As a catcher, he ran the game from behind the plate, loving nothing more than throwing out a runner at second or catching someone in a pickle at third. Hitting dingers was his goal but if he didn't and coach let him run the bases you knew stealing was happening even if coach was yelling NO from the baseline, and every once in a while, he would convince a coach to let him pitch, everyone held their breath because you never quite knew what he would throw. His years with the Indianola Braves, Indianola High School Baseball, Perfect Game, Baseball Factory, Diamond Sports Academy, USSA, SWCC and Mid-Iowa Men's League- Twisters gave him not only competition, but extended family. He played travel basketball with IBA and "retired" in MS, when he realized he got his height from his mom, but was always up for a game of pickup at the park or at Simpson. He was known to shoot from just about anywhere and a spitfire who would probably foul out but most importantly rock the best rec-specs! He also played football and in HS became the punter, we are pretty sure that started as a joke and a challenge to himself, but it stuck. He loved Friday night lights, laughter, and serenading the fans with Take Me Home, Country Roads, upon a win. Noah also took to the wrestling mat for a few years, dabbled in Lacrosse, and maybe some unsanctioned backyard boxing. Coming in when the team needed him, attempting to make good out of a bad situation, keeping himself calm in high intensity-all eyes on you moments and knowing if you couldn't fix the situation, you make sure you gave it your all were lesson's he took from that time. The last couple summers at the Iowa State Fair gates were another favorite. The job was secondary to the friendships and stories that came with it. In the spring of 2024, Noah answered a calling that ran deep in his blood, choosing to follow in the proud legacy of his father and great-grandfather by becoming a United States Marine. On September 16, 2024, with determination in his heart and a quiet smile of resolve, he signed his name and stepped onto the same yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego, CA, where his father had once stood. December 13, 2024, he graduated from boot camp. Noah pushed through every obstacle with grit, humor, and the unshakable will to succeed. In his letters home, he would write of the daily tasks, his thrill for competition, and his resolve to "embrace the suck," taking on the very challenges his dad had warned him about (and proudly avoiding the dreaded "Pizza Box"). Noah was able to be home for the holidays and spend time with family and friends. While home he worked with his recruiter doing Recruiter's Assistance. He left January 13, 2025, returning to California to attend the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton where he was promoted to Private First Class in March and graduated on May 23, 2025. May 30, 2025, he reported to his permanent duty station with 2nd Battalion 6th Marines, Golf Company at Camp Lejeune, NC. He was excited for new adventures along with experiencing seasons again, the opportunity to hunt and fish, and the ocean just steps away. The bonds Noah formed in the Marines began the very first day of boot camp and only deepened with each step of his journey. By the time he reached Camp Lejeune, those bonds had grown into something far beyond camaraderie and he was building many more. With his Marine brothers, he shared so many things, from Sundays at church, swapping stories, finding new adventures, and standing shoulder to shoulder through every challenge, banding together in the unshakable way that only Marines can. Noah was a proud Marine and most importantly proud of himself. He was a momma's boy but shared his love of cars and random knowledge with his dad and brother. He shared an unbreakable bond with his siblings. Drake was his "big little brother," best friend, and occasional rival but always by his side. They had a bond that you could feel when they were together. Drake was always up for a wrestling match or allowing Noah to join he and Sowji on any adventures. His sisters brought him joy, and whether teasing them or fiercely protecting them, they were his everything. He showed up for all of them - as their biggest fan, secret keeper, and popsicle/treat supplier, always listening to their stories or watching something they wanted to show him. If Noah was in your life, you knew it. He showed up - every time, for every person. He protected fiercely, listened without judgment, and had a knack for making you laugh at just the right (or wrong) moment. His smile could light up a room, and his sparkle-eyed mischief was matched only by his kindness. He helped others through hard times and supported people when they needed. He made friends on every team, in every tournament or activity, in every job, and in every facet of his life, no matter your age, background or experiences people flocked to him and those relationships ran deep. Noah was poured into by God, his family, and his communities. He poured that same love into others. He would want us to live boldly: do something you love, try something new, and truly be present in each moment. Noah is survived by his parents, Shannon and John Johnston; brother, Drake; sisters Aubreella, Finley, and Penelope; grandparents Pam Singleton-Rexroat, Frank and Chris Singleton, Anne and Butch Johnston; aunt Breanna (Jose) Cornejo-Rexroat; uncle Frank "Uncle Bucky" (Morgan) Singleton; his best friends, Marine brothers, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, extended relatives, and countless friends who are family. Noah passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025. Services are pending at this time.