Paul Johnson

PAUL JOHNSON

North Liberty

Paul Edwin Johnson, 87, of North Liberty, passed away Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha. Memorial services will be 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at First United Methodist Church, North Liberty. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Ridgewood Cemetery, North Liberty.

Paul was born Feb. 19, 1927, and grew up in Blue Island, Ill., the son of Joseph and Helen (Hallett) Johnson. After graduating from Blue Island High School in 1945, he spent two years in the Army stationed in Italy. After returning, he entered the University of Illinois, earning a degree in mechanical engineering in 1952. Paul then worked for various Iowa companies, including Link Belt Speeder, Shield Bantam and Harnischfeger.

On Oct. 26, 1957, he was united in marriage to Ila James. A son, Bruce, and daughter, Jodi, joined this union. In 1979, Paul and Ila purchased the Jolly Roger Campground on Coralville Lake, which they operated for 12 years.

He loved building things, flying his Cessna airplane, boating and playing bridge. Paul loved traveling by car and camping with the family all over the United States. He especially liked doing things with his children and grandchildren. Paul was able to return to Italy to show Ila the places he had been while in the Army, and they enjoyed two Caribbean cruises. Church activities were also an important part of his life.

Paul is survived by his wife, Ila; daughter, Jodi (Scott) Dunn of North Liberty; seven grand-children, Joseph, Samuel, Mitchell and Jacob Johnson, Heidi and Shaina Fay and Tia Dunn; one stepgranddaughter, Katie (Todd) Tumilty of New Jersey; and six great-grandchildren, Audrey, Tyler, Eboni, Jayla, Lawton and Delilah.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Miriam Sawyer; and one son, Bruce.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.