Johnson, Bernard 'Butch' Dean

Bernard “Butch” Dean Johnson, 57, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in his home due to complications of esophageal cancer. A service in celebration of Butch's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, with burial following at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather in remembrance of Butch, following the celebration of life service and burial, at The Double Inn in Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his wife, Vicki Johnson; children, Renee Johnson of Kansas City, Mo., Denise (Brian) Lewis of Marion, Diane Rettenmaier of Hiawatha, Laura (Bill) Fuller of Central City, Robert (Paula) Rettenmaier of Fullerton, Calif., and John Rettenmaier of Cedar Rapids; four granddaughters, Cortney and Lexi Fuller of Central City, Mariel Rettenmaier of Hiawatha and Abbie Lewis of Marion; two sisters, Carol Martin and Brenda A'Hearn of Waukon; as well as several nieces and nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Lloyd Martin.

Butch was born Dec. 20, 1953, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Bernard and Gladys (Vickery) Johnson. He graduated from Waukon Senior High School in 1972.

He was employed by Cargill for 37 years and was a member of the Teamsters Union.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, hunting, golfing, darts and bowling. He was an avid Atlanta Braves and Iowa football fan. Butch also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund established in Butch's honor.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Butch's family on the webpage,  under Obituaries.