Obituary of David Jay Johnson

David Jay Johnson -73

October 25, 1950 - December 29, 2023

Saginaw, TX

   David Jay Johnson 73, husband of Lorey J Johnson, formerly of Decatur, IL, went into the arms of Jesus, his Savior, on December 29th, 2023 at 2:32pm with his loving wife beside him.

   Dave was born October 25, 1950 in Clinton, IA. to the late Kenneth and Arlene Johnson. He grew up there where he experienced a fun and loving, strong traditional family environment.

   He graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, IA with a Biology degree.

   He married Lorey J. (Berg) Swartz on December 20, 1982.

   He went to work at Clinton Corn Processing Plant (now Archer Daniels Midland) in Clinton, IA and for a short time in New York. Later he moved to Decatur, IL , where he retired as a Superintendent for ADM after 30 years. He also loved his retirement job, driving courtesy at Bob Brady Dodge where he met so many interesting and fun people.

   Dave’s big smile, kind heart, sense of humor, trustworthiness, and genuine concern for people made him well loved. He was always willing to go along with whatever crazy ideas his or Lorey’s families came up with. 

   Dave was a  member of Maranatha Assembly of God in Decatur, IL for 38 years before moving to Saginaw, TX in 2020. As a member of the choir, one of his favorite things was the many productions of “The Gospel According To Scrooge”. He played the “angel of death”. He was also involved in several other productions with the choir.

   He loved attending any sporting or life event for the children or grandchildren. He spent fun-loving times with all of them. 

   He loved hunting, boating and camping with his family, hiking in the woods, bicycling, traveling, watching movies, baseball, and football.  Mostly, he loved hanging out, laughing and telling stories with family and friends.

   A tribute to his generous and unselfish character was his gift to his wife one birthday- ballroom dance lessons. Little did he know that dancing would be a gift he would keep on giving the rest of his life, even though it was never in his comfort zone.

   Dave was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Johnson;  mother; Arlene (Nissen) Johnson;  brother, Jim Johnson;  sister in law, Cathy Johnson.

   He leaves behind his wife, Lorey; 3 step-children: Jennifer Hansel (Chip), Jim Swartz (Danna), and John Swartz (Elizabeth);  6 grandchildren, Jacob, Matthew, and Zoe Hansel; Blaine Swartz; Sophia and Zachary Swartz, sister, Chris Crandall; aunt, Mary Ellen Brackemeyer;  brothers/sisters in law: Donna Byrne (Patrick), David Berg (Judy), Doug Berg (Debbie),  Dan Berg (Cindy), Sharon McNeil (Mike),  Gerry Berg (Kathy), and a large family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

   Celebration of Life service to remember Dave Johnson with Pastor Doug Lowery of Decatur, IL will be held on Saturday, February, 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM. His service will be held at The Table Community Church located at 6011 W Bailey Boswell Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76179