Lyle Johnson

LYLE JOHNSON

Cedar Rapids

Lyle E. Johnson, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, after a lengthy illness. A private graveside service with military honors will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Lyle was born Dec. 20, 1928, in Audubon, Minn., to Willie and Eliza (Ferey) Johnson. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and was a member of the American Legion for 36 years.

He married Gladys Flaws on July 6, 1955, in Bagley, Minn. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Lyle worked at Allis-Chalmers and later at Harnischfeger Corp. until his retirement in 1989.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping; loved to spend time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and liked to watch football on TV until macular degeneration took his eyesight. Since then he enjoyed listening to books on tape provided by the Iowa Department of the Blind.

Surviving are his wife, Gladys; three children, Denise Buchanan of Strawberry Point, Debra (Roy) Smith of St. Peters, Mo., and Wayne (Teri) Johnson of Palo; six grandchildren, Amber Conduff, Lisa Gonterman, Lindsay (Nick) Hovis, Nick (fiancee Katya Kolbasko) Smith, Lauren Smith and Katie Heidt; two great-grandchildren, Michael and Zachary Conduff; sister, Audrey (Don) King of Eagan, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Conrad and Barb Johnson; brother, Elmer Johnson; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Arnie Berentsen; and son-in-law, Tom Buchanan.

Lyle lives on in the hearts of his family members as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be missed tremendously.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedar memorial.com.