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Home Obituaries Herbert Nelson Johnson
Tuesday, 08 November 2011 10:13

Herbert Nelson Johnson

Service Information

Services1:30 PM Saturday, November 12 at First Baptist Church 434 Baltimore St. Waterloo
Visitation4-7:00 PM Friday, November 11 at Locke Funeral Home with a 7 PM Public Masonic Service
CemeteryWinchester Cemetery in Kentucky
MemorialsCedar Valley Hospice

Biography Information

Herbert Nelson Johnson (1917-2011)

Herbert Nelson Johnson, 94, of Waterloo. Loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great-grandpa and devoted friend went to heaven on November 8, 2011, while at Cedar Valley Hospice Home.

Herbert was born July 8, 1917, near Trapp, Kentucky, the son of Tishabe and Lillie (Berryman) Johnson. He graduated from Trapp High School in 1936. In 1937, he moved to Waterloo, Iowa, to work at Rath Packing Company. In 1939, he traveled back to Kentucky, married his childhood sweetheart Marie Fox and brought her to Iowa. In time, they had three children. He wasn’t just a father, he was a Dad. In 1950, they became partners in a Dixie Cream donut shop. Later they were sole owners and soon it became Johnson’s Bakery. Herb partnered for many years with his son Dennis until his retirement. Always keeping his interest and love for the bakery.

Herb was a 50-year member of Martin Lodge #624 A.F. & A.M. and a member of the First Baptist Church.

His great love of music was with him always. He had jam sessions, open to all, with donuts and coffee weekly. He could play almost any musical instrument you handed him.

Survived by: two daughters, Phyllis (Albert) Harreld of Yucaipa, Calif., and Sharon (Michael) King of Elk Run Heights; a son Dennis (Trudy) Johnson of Waterloo; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: his parents; his beloved wife Marie; two brothers, Sidney P. and Kenneth and a sister, Dorothy.

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Condolences (29)

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Sharon and Mike
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Eternal rest grant on to Herb O'Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. Love, Bev and The Gall Family
Beverly Gall , November 09, 2011
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We will miss Grandpa Herb everyday. He was such a loving, kindhearted, sweet man. There will never be anyone else like him. He will be dearly missed by many, many people whose lives he touched.
Kelsey (Spencer) Stark , November 09, 2011
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It is hard to imagine life without Herb. He was such a special part of my childhood and my adult life. He was a connection to memories of my parents, now both gone. And he and Marie were my children's "in town" grandparents. I can't think of another human being who was so talented, friendly, entertaining, loyal, and kind- hearted. It is comforting to know that he and Marie and Mom and Dad are all together once more but he will be so sorely missed.
Susan Spencer , November 09, 2011
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To Phyllis and family...please accept my condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Herb (though it was short) and thought him to be a very caring and sweet, sweet man. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Much love, Bobbie
Bobbie Hickin , November 10, 2011
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Dennis- you will never know how much you and your dad meant to me during those great Canteen Food Service years. Always enjoyed joking with your dad. Somethings are memorable forever and your family was one of them - God Bless!
tom akin , November 10, 2011
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I am sure the desserts and music in Heaven will both be sweeter now that Herb has arrived. Herb was a wonderful friend and church member. If I needed a little frosting I would stop in when Marie was working but when I needed a word of encouragement I would stop in before or after a meeting a church and visit with Herb. He will be missed.
Maynard Hatch
Maynard Hatch , November 10, 2011
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Sharron and Dennis and their families, Perry and I was taken back to hear that your dad had went on to Heaven. Although, I never meet Herb personally, Perry has memories when he and his brother and sister's would come to Waterlo and your dad would take them in the back of your shop and have them helped him with the dounghts. He will deeply be missed by all.
Perry and Susan Myers
susan and prerry myers , November 10, 2011
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My thoughts are with you at this time Phyllis and Al. I hope his love of music remains forever in your hearts. Chris Robertson
Chris Robertson , November 10, 2011
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I am so thankful for the many memories I have of Herb & Marie and their family. Herb has been a part of my memories as long as I can remember. He and my dad became close friends when Herb and my dad began working at Rath's in 1937 and that friendship between our families has remained strong until the present.

When Marie passed Herb lost the love of his life. When my dad died a year ago Herb mourned the loss of a "brother" and now with Herb's passing my mom mourns the loss of a great friendship packed full of wonderful memories.

The Bible says we do not mourn as those who have no hope because IF we believe Jesus died and rose again then we have the assurance that we will be with the Lord forever. I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Herb was a generous and caring friend and he will be missed. We can rejoice in the memories his life created and be thankful we were priviledged to be a part of them.

My mom (Maxine) and my prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult season. With love - Jan (Gibson) Bergen
Janice (Gibson) Bergen , November 11, 2011
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Herb and Marie were my other grandparents. I will miss Herb tremendously, but am happy he is with his beloved Marie again. I know he missed her. One of my fondest childhood memories is of going to the bakery and having Herb make a frosting rose on my extended finger. In his honor, I have learned how to do that and am giving every child I know a frosting rose tomorrow.
Cynthia (Spencer) Gillette , November 11, 2011
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Dennis & Sharon,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I remember meeting him about 30 years ago and he was so engaging. I know you willmiss him alot. But may he always be with you in spirit and in your wonderful memories. May you find peace in knowing he is with the Lord and will have eternal rest.
Clarence Dawson , November 11, 2011
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Dear Phyllis, Sharon & Dennis and all the family,

Oh how we loved Herb and Marie...we remember a cold bitter January 9th 1965 when our wedding cake was frozen in the truck of the Cadillac as Herb decided to go thru the car wash on the way to the church. He was worried _ but hot boiling water poured over the car lock saved the day and the wedding cake looked lovely and even tasted better !!! This Jan 9th 2012 will be 47 years since that eventful day.
All the games of Horse Shoes late into the night to see who was the better player between Herbie and Searles - neighbors and best friends for years.
5 years ago we brought Searles to one of Herbie's Jam sessions with the boys and had a hoot listening to all of them make their music. Dixie Cream Donuts a must on special occasions - delicious cakes, cookies, yum..
What a wonderful couple who left a great family legacy to all of you. We send you all our deepest condolences & thoughts.

Kay & Mike Hayden
Searles Harold Hayden Family
Kay & Mike Hayden , November 11, 2011
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Dear Phyllis, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I know how you took care of him. Hugs to you at this very sad time. Take care.
Mary Forman , November 11, 2011
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I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sara Falk
Dear Phyllis and family , November 11, 2011
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I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Phyllis and family , November 11, 2011
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Phyllis, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless all of you.
Barb Mattis , November 11, 2011
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To the Johnson Family,
I worked for Johnson's Bakery at their outlet in the Sears store at Crossroads, back in 1972 and 73. Herb and Marie were the nicest people you could ever ask to work for. I always loved talking to them when I would bring my leftovers from the night back to the shop. That was 38 years ago, and I can still remember these wonderful people, and the awesome sweets that were created there. God Bless you all, and may you find comfort and peace in knowing Herbie and Marie are together in Heaven watching over you all, making
heaven an even "sweeter" place.
Cathy (Bartels) Lentfer , November 11, 2011
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So sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted in knowing that thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Risa Page , November 11, 2011
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To the Johnson Family,
My heart felt sorrow for the loss of an incredible man. You are all in my thoughts, prayers and my heart. Herb will be greatly missed by many.
Amy Klein-Wilson , November 12, 2011
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Erma wants to say she always liked Herb from the moment they met at Rath packing Co. way back in 1937. She always thought he was a considerate man. She will miss him as will I because I have indulged in his glorious bakery since I was a child. May memories of all the good times comfort the family at this sad time.
Debra (Heyer) Digmann for Erma Heyer , November 12, 2011
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Dear Phyllis,
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know how you'll miss him. Now I know where you got your musical talent. Take care.

Norita
Norita Skvarla , November 12, 2011
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My condolences to you and your family, Phyllis. May all the great memories help you through this difficult time. Hugs... Pat Shein
Pat Shein , November 12, 2011
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So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was such a southern gentleman! I know that he will be missed! May bless you all with peace and great memories!
Donna Wilson , November 13, 2011
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Phyllis, my condolences to you and your family. I did not know your dad, but see from these lovely sentiments that he was dearly loved and will be missed by many whose lives he touched. Take care my friend.
Karen Beck , November 13, 2011
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Phyllis, so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are
with you and your family. May knowing that others care, help you through
this difficult time.
Linda Carnahan , November 15, 2011
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Phyllis, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Losing a parent is very hard because you lose so much of your personal history. Take care of yourself...
Celene Pierce
Celene Pierce , November 16, 2011
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Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Losing a parent is always very hard because you lose a great part of your own personal history. May the memories sustain you.
In love and harmony,
Celene Pierce
Celene Pierce , November 16, 2011
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Phyllis, Sharon & Dennis, Sorry to hear of the passing of a grear gentle man, many wonderful menories. May God bless you all and give you comfort.
Gene , November 17, 2011
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It was a real shock to hear of Herb's death to say the least. I now live in Seminole, Fl. and was 88 last July. It was my pleasure to visit with him just last May along with my brother, Boyd and his wife Bettie from Omaha, Neb. Ron and Carol Dewitt were able to contact and made the visit possible.Carol's mother, Wilma, was my sister. Herb and Marie were the source of Wilma getting to Waterloo. I also lived and graduated from East Waterloo. He was a great person to talk to about current and old time places and things. I enjyed his sense of humor. I am so glad we made that visit.
Frances Curtis Elliott , November 19, 2011

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