JoAnn Elaine Johnson, 78

JoAnn Elaine Johnson, age 78, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the daughter of Steno H. and Mary (Kampman) Schipper on June 12, 1947, at Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.  She received her education and graduated from Aplington High School in 1965. She continued her education and received her LPN Nursing Degree at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo.

On September 11, 1970, JoAnn Schipper was united in marriage with Roger George Johnson at the Bethel Reformed Church, rural Aplington.  The couple made their home on his family farm west of Allison for 3 years. They moved to Parkersburg on a farm near Stout, Iowa, for the next 6 years. They returned to the family farm and continued to farm until 1986. At this time, they moved into town in Aplington to her parents’ and grandparents’ original house. JoAnn worked at the Dumont Care Center in Dumont, Iowa, for 28 years. She volunteered with the Aplington Ambulance for 12 years.

JoAnn was a member of the First Reformed Church in Aplington where she served with the ladies group, sang in the church choir, and especially enjoyed performing for several years in the Easter Cantata along with her sons (which they did not have a choice). She also was a member of the Christian Women’s Group in Parkersburg. 

JoAnn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially cookies and using her grandma’s recipes for buns and bread. She collected many angels and birds, cardinals were her favorite. She loved flowers, especially yellow roses. She rooted for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs. JoAnn took great pride in her family, loved spending time together and always showed up to watch her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, no matter what the weather.

On Monday, September 8, 2025, JoAnn passed away at UnityPoint – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Steno and Mary Schipper; and two brothers, Stanley W. Schipper and Keith A. Schipper

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband Roger, of 54 years (just 3 days shy of 55 years); three sons, Jason (Mavis) of Aplington, Brent (Jenny) of Parkersburg, and Chadd (Jennifer) of LaPorte City; eight grandchildren, Jodie, Madison (fiancé, Wyatt), Chelsea (Lane), Cody (Emma), Collin, Charity (fiancé, John), Ella (Trey) and Chase; four great-grandchildren, Isabelle, twins Olivia & Alia, Eliana, and a great-grandson due in February; and a special sister-in-law, Josephine “Jo” Schipper of Parkersburg; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, September 12, 2025, at First Reformed Church in Aplington, with Pastor Brandon Schipper officiating.  Organist was Deb Fisher and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “How Great Thou Art” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.   Tony Poppens sang “God On The Mountain” and “Birthday of a King”.  The burial was held at Bethel Reformed Cemetery in rural Aplington, with Jason Johnson, Cody Johnson, Brent Johnson, Collin Johnson, Chadd Johnson, Chase Johnson, Scott Schipper and Steve Schipper serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearers were JoAnn’s granddaughters.

Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the First Reformed Church in Aplington, and one hour before services at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted for later distribution to community organizations.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Aplington Chapel was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com