Johnson, John R. 'Johnny'

John R. “Johnny” Johnson, 75, of Burlington, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Johnny was born Oct. 15, 1935, in Burlington, Iowa, to Millard and Ethel (Blake) Johnson. He was the oldest of four sons and graduated from Morning Sun Community High School.

Following graduation, Johnny began his career in farming. In 1967, Johnny started his own business, J&J Steel, specializing in steel erection. In 1983, he acquired Ideal Ready Mix Inc. Johnny owned and operated 34 Raceways until 2006. In addition to serving as CEO and owner of J&J Steel and Ideal Ready Mix, Johnny also owned and operated L&W Quarries and JRJ Enterprises.

Johnny was active in Late Model car series racing for over 30 years. Driving the car numbered 99 was his hobby and passion. He was elected to the National Late Model Hall of Fame, Des Moines County Cattleman's Association 2008 Associate of the Year and 2007 Honorary Des Moines County 4H Member. During his career he served as board member of Southeast Iowa Builders Association, president and board member of Iowa Ready Mix Concrete Association, board member of Burlington/West Burlington Chamber of Commerce, board member of Grow Greater Burlington, board member of Burlington Bank & Trust (currently Two Rivers Bank & Trust), board member of Great River Financial Group and board member of Iowa Limestone Producers Association and was a past member of the International Association of Bridge Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers Local No. 577.

Survivors include four children, Wayne W. Johnson of West Burlington, J. Scott Johnson and his wife, Julia of Clive, Cristy L. (Johnson) Schmidt and her husband, Michael Schmidt of Burlington, and Jay B. Johnson and his wife, Mindy of West Burlington; five grandchildren, Nathan K. Schmidt, Jaclyn K. Johnson, Ross D. Johnson, Graham R. Johnson and Jamie L. Johnson; two brothers, James L. Johnson and his wife Terry, of Wapello, and Mickey M. Johnson and his wife, Sandra of Wapello; and a sister-in-law, Mary Beth Johnson of Madison, Wis.

Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Keith Johnson.

A private family service will be held Saturday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mediapolis, with the Rev. Jerleen Schlesser officiating. Burial will be in Kossuth Cemetery.

A Celebration of Johnny's life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Burlington Golf Club. The family invites Johnny's friends and fans to join them at the Burlington Golf Club from noon to 3 p.m. Special remembrances will be shared at 1 p.m.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the John R. Johnson Memorial for Southeast Iowa Builders Association Scholarships. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 1113, Burlington, IA 52601.

The Hagele and Honts Funeral Home in Morning Sun is providing the care and arrangements for the Johnny Johnson family.