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Obituaries » Lory Nels Johnson

Lory Nels Johnson

August 17, 1938 - September 9, 2020

Service Date: September 12, 2020

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Lory Nels Johnson, 82, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2020, at Unity Point Hospital in Des Moines.

Due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, a virtual service will be held for Lory at Ankeny First United Methodist Church in Ankeny, Iowa (206 SW Walnut St.) Following CDC guidelines. Pastor Mike James will be officiating the funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2020. There is no formal visitation. A committal service will immediately follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens (4208 N Ankeny Blvd.). The live stream may be viewed by using this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/lori-johnson-memorial-gganbr2xviwh9hf7ch1l

Lory was born on August 17, 1938, in Sloan, Iowa. He was the second oldest of five children born to Frank and Mary JohnsonLory was united in marriage to Mary L. Taylor, of Storm Lake, on April 18, 1965. They initially met in college and are both proud alumni of Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa.

Lory liked to garden and to share the results of his planting with others. He was also known as the best candy maker for many fundraising events at his church. He served on numerous church boards and committees. Lory regularly helped at rummage sales, funerals, Bidwell Riverside, New Horizons, and other philanthropic groups. He was active in the Ankeny Lions Club, Ankeny First United Methodist Church, and was a long-time member of the Ankeny Public Library Board of Directors. Additionally, Lory was a state swimming official, ran the swimming venue at the Iowa Games, coordinated the Iowa State Fair Spelling Bee for over 25 years and volunteered in many groups in which his sons were involved.

Lory was a graduate of Morningside College. He earned an MA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He taught in the Milwaukee Public Schools before accepting the position of Language Arts Consultant for Iowa Department of Education. After retiring, he enjoyed teaching Composition and other courses for Des Moines Area Community College and Simpson College. He loved working with young adults and helping them excel to achieve their full potential and dreams.
Lory loved to be involved and interact with all people.

He is survived by his wife; Mary of 55 years, sons; Daniel (Amy), Michael (Kim), grandson; Mickey and Cody, and a bonus granddaughter, Kayla, brother; Tom (Oregon) and sister-in-law (Linda). Also surviving are a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, including sisters-in-law, Donna Miller and Shirley Laird, and many beloved friends.

He is preceded in death by three siblings: Fred, Herman and Linda, his parents, aunts, uncles, friends, and his mother-in-law, Wilma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Mary in Lory’s honor. The donations will be distributed to the charitable organizations Lory gave his time to advancing.

To view the photo slideshow for Lory please visit: https://youtu.be/0JsuWYJ-6II

The live stream may be viewed by using this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/lori-johnson-memorial-gganbr2xviwh9hf7ch1l

Timeline

  • Ankeny, Iowa

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