Leslie Johnson

LESLIE JOHNSON

Cedar Rapids

Leslie "Les" V. Johnson, 98, a resident of North-brook Manor Care Center, Cedar Rapids, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at the care center. Funeral services: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by the Rev. Michael Frey. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the funeral home in Marion and one hour before the service Tuesday. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his son, Frederick "Rick" (Karen) Johnson of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Jean (Bjorn) Hedberg of Borlange, Sweden; 13 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; son, Donald Johnson; two grandsons, Joel Haynes and Nathan Johnson; and brother, Harry Johnson.

Les was born Jan. 31, 1916, in Clermont, Iowa, the son of Peter and Jessie (Yauslin) Johnson. He graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. Les married Vera Myers on Sept. 6, 1936, in North Liberty. When Vera's health was failing, Les cared for her in their home for 10 years. Vera passed away in 2005.

Les worked for Rockwell Collins for 39 years until his retirement in 1979.

Les was an avid Ham radio operator and enjoyed building his own radios. He was licensed at the age of 15, and his license remained current with his call sign, WOXO.

Les was a member of the CCC (Civilian Conservationist Corps), whose focus was on building bridges. He had a curious mind, and was interested in nature, (especially birds) history and inventions. Les enjoyed having breakfast and coffee at Bruegger's Bagels and visiting Squaw Creek Park with his son. He was a lifetime member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Memorials may be directed to the Billy Graham Society in Les' memory.

Please share a memory of Les at www.murdoch funeralhome.com under obituaries.