Willard "Bill" Johnson

Willard Orville Johnson, age 89, of Odebolt, IA, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

“Bill” was born March 3, 1915, in Sioux City, the son of August F. and Rose Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Emmanuel English Lutheran Church at Akron, Iowa, and received his education at Akron public schools.

He married Mildred Helen Wilcox in 1936. To this union a daughter, Lynda, was born. In 1938 they moved to Odebolt where they spent the remainder of their lives.

He was a member of the Odebolt United Methodist Church for over 60 years, a member of the Odebolt Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, Consistory, and ABU BEKR Shrine Temple.

Bill owned and operated Bill’s I.G.A. for many years and was very active in the Odebolt community, serving as Mayor and council member.

Survivors include his son-in-law Terry Newell of Larkspur, CA; his three grandchildren: Whitney Grace Newell, Frederick Brewer Newell, and Christian Johnson Newell all of Larkspur, CA; extended family members, and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Helen on February 8, 1996; daughter Lynda Newell, January 9, 1994; and a sister Billie Reynolds.

Funeral services for Bill Johnson will be Wednesday, April 7th, 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Reverend All Milligan will officiate, Corinne Down, organist. Irene Olson and Lois Story will take care of the the flower arrangements. Honorary pallbearers include: Jack Bensley, Jack Simpson, Lake Olson, James Scott, Carol Youngren, and Clarence Etler. Casketbearers are the following: Rob Youngren, Jack Hogue, Duane Simonson, Dale Richardson, Don Cowlham, and Rod Schnuckel. Interment will be at the Odebolt Cemetery.

Visitation is Tuesday, April 6th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt with Masonic Services at 7:00 p.m. by Wheeler Masonic Lodge No. 398 A.F. & A.M. of Odebolt.