Johnson, Joe Burrell

Joe Burrell Johnson, 78, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, at home from complications of diabetes.

Joe was born Oct. 23, 1934, in Springfield, Mo., to Cecil and Inez (Burrell) Johnson. After high school Joe attended Missouri State College and graduated from the University of California, Riverside. Joe left Riverside, Calif., and went to work for McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, Mo. He moved to Cedar Rapids in 1964 and went to work for Collins Radio. Joe met Betty Kalkbrenner-Arjes while working at Collins Radio; they were married Aug. 15, 1975, in Marion. Joe retired from Norand as director of engineering in 1995.

Joe is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Sherry (Ken) Cunningham, and their children, Kenny, Jared, Marshall and Jackson; Marla (Oliver) Hollingsworth, and their children, Nicole, Stefanie, Melissa and Sarah; Shelley (Gary) Arjes-Gustafson; Cynthia (Steve) Ryssemus, and their children, Rachelle, Elizabeth, Tyler, Timothy, Brehanna and Hannah; John (Sheila) Arjes, and their children, Michelle, Thomas and Matthew; Joseph (Karin) Johnson, and their children, Bradford, Spencer, Aubrey and Tessa; Mark (SusAnn) Johnson, and Mark's children, Brett, Lindsay, Riley and Tori; and Patricia (Duane) Arjes-Goldman, and their children, Aphten, Garret and Avery. Joe is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Mildred O'Kelly and Francis Latimer.

Joe enjoyed playing softball when he was younger; he played the piano and was first chair all-state trumpet player in high school. Joe enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and took delight in their activities. He never missed a game, a tournament or a concert. Joe could fix anything and was frequently called upon for emergency advice after his children left home.

Joe and Betty moved to Oak Valley Drive in Cedar Rapids in 1983. Joe enjoyed their home, doing yard work, deer watching, and the changing seasons in the woods around their home.

Joe's family is grateful he was able to spend so many years in the home he loved.

Services will be held 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at First Lutheran Church, 1000 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, with visitation before the service at 3 p.m. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Instead of flowers, donations in Joe's memory can be made to First Lutheran Church or the American Diabetes Association.

Please leave a message or tribute to the family on the Web page, under Obituaries.

Published Nov. 3, 2012 in The Gazette