Judith “Judy” Diane Johnson was born on March 11, 1940, in Sioux City, IA, to Walter and Lucille (Limback) Fischer. Judy passed away peacefully at her home in Sac City on Saturday, August 8, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

   Judy grew up in Sioux City, where she attended school and graduated from high school in 1958. Before graduation, she met a young man by the name of Russell Johnson, and it wasn’t long before the two knew they wanted to spend their lives together. With Russ preparing to leave for military service, they were united in marriage on April 20, 1958, in Sioux City. Following Judy’s graduation, she joined Russell in Ohio, where he was stationed at the time.

   Together, Judy and Russ were blessed with five children: Deb, Steve, Brenda, Scott, and Brian. They raised their family in Webster City, IA, before later making their home in Sac City.

   Of all the things Judy did throughout her life, she would tell you without hesitation that her greatest accomplishment was her family. Being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother meant more to her than anything else. She loved her family deeply and was incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Their accomplishments were her accomplishments, their joys were her joys, and she was always right there cheering them on through every season of life.

   Judy had a special way of making people feel comfortable and cared for. She was gentle, easy to talk to, and always seemed to know just what to say. Her children knew they could come to her with anything, but that gift extended far beyond her immediate family. Friends of her children, her grandchildren, and even their friends often found in Judy a listening ear, a comforting word, and a safe place to simply talk. She gave encouragement freely and had a way of making people feel heard, understood, and loved.

   Judy was also a true animal lover. She had an especially soft spot for cats and dogs and supported animal rescues whenever she could. Her caring nature extended to all of God’s creatures.

   In the spring and summer, Judy enjoyed her flowers and spending time gardening. She liked working on word search puzzles and watching sports on television, although “watching” sometimes included a little yelling at the TV when things weren’t going the way she thought they should. She especially enjoyed following the Indiana Fever.

   Judy was also a wonderful cook; her potato salad and moon cake were among the family favorites, and like so many things she did, the food she prepared was another way she showed her love.

   Raised in the Lutheran faith, Judy carried a strong faith in the Lord throughout her life. She didn’t simply speak about love and kindness—she lived them. Her faith could be seen in the compassion she showed, the comfort she offered, the animals she cared for, and most of all, in the unconditional love she poured into her family. She was an organ donor which means she is still helping others, even though her earthly life has ended.

   Judy’s life was a beautiful testament to the love God calls us to share with one another. She gave that love freely and without condition, and anyone fortunate enough to have been loved by Judy knew just how deeply it could be felt. Her family was her greatest joy, her proudest accomplishment, and the heart of her life.

   Though her gentle voice will be deeply missed, the love Judy gave so generously will remain—in the family she cherished, in the countless memories they made together, and in every life made a little better simply because she was there.

   Survivors include her children, Deb Peterson of Sac City, IA, and Steve (Kim) Johnson of Webster City, IA; daughter-in-law Tracy Johnson of Webster City, IA; son-in-law Dennis Plain of Sac City, IA; grandchildren: Chad (April) Peterson and girls, Kim Peterson and children, Kelsey (Evan) Hoffmeier, Shanda (Derrick) Bergantzel and boys, Rusty Grove and boys, Kari (Mike) Friedmann and children, Misty (Archie) Mackay and children, Nicole Plain (Nate) and children, Jeff Johnson and children, Kayla Johnson (Carl) and children, Jamie Johnson and children, Chanin (Jeremy) Buschmann and boys; many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

   Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Russ Johnson; sons Scott and Brian Johnson; daughter Brenda Plain; parents Walter and Lucille Fischer; parents-in-law Melvin and Ella Johnson; brothers Raymond, Ronnie, John (Marsha), and Rodger Fischer; sister Allana (John) O’Neill; and brother-in-law Clifford Johnson.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, the family will be forwarding monetary donations to Almost Home Humane Society of North Central Iowa in Judy's memory as she adored animals and believed in what these shelters provide for them.