Johnson, Manfred 'Whitey' Clarence

Manfred “Whitey” Clarence Johnson, 94, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at his home. Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Nick Longworth. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 727. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p. Monday at the funeral home. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his children, Linda (John) Hecklsmiller and Ron (Nancy) Johnson, both of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Brian Johnson; sister-in-law, Miriam Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Charlotte; two brothers; and two sisters.

Manfred was born Oct. 18, 1919, the son of Axel and Ruby (Anderson) Johnson, in Hibbing, Minn. A 1937 graduate from Hibbing High School, he served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps from Oct. 27, 1942 to Jan. 29, 1946, during World War II. On June 16, 1946, Manfred was united in marriage to Charlotte Louise Helm in her parent's home in Brooklyn, Iowa. She died Feb. 13, 2009.

Manfred was an electrician with Acme Electric, Local 405, where he worked at Penford from 1963 to 1989. He received a rare 75 year recognition for his service from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in March 2013. Manfred worked until he was 72 years old and was very proud to be an electrician.

He enjoyed airplanes and ships, watching birds and was an avid reader. Manfred also enjoyed being a HAM radio operator, repairing old radios and loved to be with his dogs, Andy and Rusty.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Unity Point Hospice and Home Instead for their compassionate care during Manfred's illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Unity Point Hospice or Meals on Wheels in memory of Manfred.

Please sign the online guest book for Manfred at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec.  15, 2013.