Helen Johnson

Helen Johnson, age 89, of Gowrie, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 5, 2025 at Bickford Cottages in Fort Dodge. She lived a beautiful life and her warmth and kindness were deeply felt by all who knew her.

Helen J. Johnson was born on Feb. 12, 1936 in Rodman, Iowa to Joseph and Celestine Knoer. On Dec. 18, 1955, she married the love of her life, Sam Johnson, and together they shared 69 wonderful years of marriage, building a life with shared laughter, memories and hobbies. Helen was a devoted mother to her four children: Mary (Dallas) Thomas, Mike (Doris Ann) Johnson, Cindy (Jeff) Knoop, and John (Shari) Johnson. She lived most of her years with Sam in Gowrie, a close-knit community where she made many friends.

Helen put her family first and cherished time spent with loved ones at holidays, sporting events and other gatherings and milestones. She also enjoyed wintering in McAllen, Texas over many winters, card games, happy hours, and wearing plenty of black and gold to cheer on the Hawkeyes.

Helen's love of golf was another defining part of her life. She was an accomplished golfer, winning the Gowrie Club tournament several times and sharing her passion for the sport with her children and grandchildren. Additionally, Helen's strength in faith was a cornerstone of her life, which she passed along to her children.

One of Helen's favorite roles was being a grandma. She was a remarkably loving and supportive grandmother to Tyler, Mackenzie, Brianne, Brady, Keelie, Amber, and Samantha. She left them all with innumerable cherished memories of tailgates, Fourth of July celebrations, and time spent on the golf course. Later in life, Helen was blessed to love three great-grandchildren; Tyler, Charlie, and Hayden. Helen's love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unshakable.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Johnson; brothers, John (Shirley) Knoer and Pat Knoer; and sister-in-law, Barbara Baedke. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Joseph, James, Jay, and David, and her grandson, Tyler Thomas.

Helen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sibling and friend. While she leaves a hole in our hearts, Helen's warmth, love and her memories will stay with her loved ones forever, and she will never be forgotten

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Farnhamville, with Pastor Aaron Zimmerman officiating. Burial will follow at Gowrie Township Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Home in Gowrie.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.