Thomas “Tom” Knute Johnson

Thomas “Tom” Knute Johnson

Marion

Thomas “Tom” Knute Johnson, 88, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025, at UnityPoint Taylor House in Des Moines. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 915 27th Street in Marion, Iowa, where a visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. The Reverend Alan Kornacki will officiate. A committal service will take place the following day at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Fountain Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Kendall, Wisconsin. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Tom was born on January 10, 1937, in rural Monroe County, Wisconsin, the son of Theodore Jon and Thyla Anita (Nelson) Johnson. He was a 1955 graduate of Elroy High School in Elroy, Wisconsin. Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, and master’s degree from Iowa State University, both in electrical engineering. He was united in marriage to Sharon Lee Killham on October 6, 1963, at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado. Tom spent his 43-year career with Rockwell Collins, where he played a role in the development of the communications system for the Apollo Space Program; and spent most of his tenure in Avionics and Commercial Systems. Tom was a former member of the Collins Leadership Club. Known to friends and family as a gifted problem-solver, he took great pride in fixing anything mechanical or electrical, reflecting his hands-on approach to life. Tom was also an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

His proudest accomplishments were numerous and diverse: Tom built a Hammered Dulcimer; he earned a pilot's license; he constructed a computer from scratch; and even created a Tesla Coil transformer used for electronics. Tom’s hobbies included camping and fishing, and together with his wife, they loved traveling in their Winnebago Adventurer motorhome across the country following the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. Tom was a passionate listener of Rush Limbaugh on the radio – often to the point where his family was humorously prevented from turning it off. He possessed a unique talent as a skilled oil painter, sharing his artistry through the creation of beautiful pieces, which Tom generously gifted to his family and friends.

Tom is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Sharon Johnson of Des Moines; two children, Greg (Diane) Johnson of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and Shari (John) Wagner of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Allison (Chad) Oswalt, Jake (Valerie) Johnson, Kelli (Mike) Baker, Christine Wagner, William Wagner, and Samuel Wagner; one great-granddaughter, Julia Oswalt; brother, Wayne (Marilyn) Johnson of Plover, Wisconsin; and a host of extended family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lionel Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s memory may be directed to either St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; or Cedar Rapids Metro Parkinson’s Association at www.crmetroparkinsons.com.

Please share a memory of Tom at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.