Wayne Johnson

Wayne Newell Johnson, 82, of Burlington, finally got his wish to join the love of his life in heaven, on Sunday, October 2nd, 2022 after battling a long illness and a broken heart.
Born April 12, 1940 in Burlington, he was the son of Warren and Rayne (nee Stevenson) Johnson. On April 8, 1961, he married his best friend and love of his life, Judith Ann Garnant in Burlington.
Wayne was a gifted and talented craftsman. He loved and supported his growing family as first an apprentice, then a tool and die maker at the Winegard Company, where he would retire after decades of loyal and faithful service, and where he made some very good friends.
Wayne was a member of SS. Mary and Patrick's Catholic Church, where he attended faithfully until he was no longer able to safely do so. He loved the outdoors and treated Judy and the kids to decades of endless fun boating, camping, swimming, skiing and fishing on the Mississippi River. In addition to these activities, Wayne enjoyed tending to his garden, feeding the birds and fighting with the squirrels, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, and keeping up with all of his kids' favorite sport teams and their local weather. He was an avid coin collector, an amazing wood worker who loved making beautiful keepsakes for his family, and an all-around simple yet gentle soul who loved telling jokes, drinking a PBR and sharing laughter and stories. Above all, he loved and valued his family that continued to grow and produce grandchildren and great grandchildren that he was so proud of. When Wayne lost Judy, he never quite recovered, but he did his best to go on and remain the loving patriarch of his family.
Wayne is survived by three daughters, Joni (Mitch) Smith of Big Canoe, GA, Kimberly (Carlos) Capdevila of Burlington, and Amy (Grant) Bonta of Belleville, IL; three sons Jeff (Morgan) Johnson of Overland Park, KS, Rick (Kelly) Johnson of Marion, IA, and Randy (Debbie) Johnson of Cedar Rapids, IA. 19 grandchildren, Jami (Shaun), Lindsey, Nicholas, Kelsey (Clinton), Brayden, Blake, Courtney (Morgan), Kyla (Arron), Payton, Elle, Nicole (Blake), Ryan, Jordan (Bridgette), Meagan (Colten), Caitlyn, Carter, Chandler, Camden and Ethan. Ten great grandchildren, Ryan, Chloe, Logan, Caden, Mason, Raylin, Alyvia, Oliver, Charlotte and Leo. Wayne also had one great grandchild on the way (Kelsey and Clinton's baby boy) Also left to cherish Wayne's memory are his brother Wally (Becky) Johnson of Amana, IA, sisters-in-law Laurie Johnson, Clara Johnson and Cheri (Joe) Stewart, several dear nieces and nephews, and special friends Phil and Cynthia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Judy, his three brothers Warren, Wesley and Wendell, his father/mother-in-law John and Kathleen Garnant, and two granddaughters, Kristal Smith and Alejandra Capdevila.
Wayne loved animals and the many pets he had throughout the years. Later in life, his dogs were his source of companionship, and his last dog was rescued from a breeding situation. Bonnie Boo was a faithful companion until the end. Wayne's story can't possibly be told without relating the love of music that he instilled in his six children. One of his favorite phrases was "music makes the world go round". His children were raised on music, from listening to the 50's around the campfire, to hearing Elvis Presley blaring from the living room after a night out with Mom, to Christmas music and requests made by Dad to have his kids sing and "act out" our silly 70's song and dance numbers. Music was always a special thread that Dad wove through us, and it connected us to him and Mom in ways that are joyfully impossible to describe.
The leader of the band was tired, and his eyes had grown so old but his blood runs through our instruments, and his song is in our souls. Our lives have been a poor attempt to imitate the man.We are just the living legacy to our leader of the band.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of arrangements.
Cremation has been entrusted to Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, October 14, 2022 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home in Burlington.
The memorial service for Mr. Johnson will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home in Burlington. with Rev. James Flattery officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Buffalo Tavern in Burlington following the burial.
Memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society and P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter in Fort Madison.
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