Lester Paul Johnson, 92

Lester Paul Johnson, age 92, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the son of Henry and Anna (Schipper) Johnson, on May 29, 1933, on the family farm in rural Aplington.  He attended Eleanor Elementary and graduated from Aplington High School in 1950.  Lester lived his entire life in Aplington. In December 1954, Lester was drafted into the United States Army and served until he was honorably discharged in November 1956.  During this time, Lester attended basic training in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and was stationed in Germany.

On February 10, 1954, Lester was united in marriage with Martha Bohlen at the Reformed Church of Stout in Stout, Iowa.  After their marriage, the couple farmed north of Aplington and later moved to the family farm. In 1993, Lester and Martha moved into Aplington.  Although retired, he still worked with his sons on the farm until his health no longer allowed him.

Lester was a lifelong member of Bethel Reformed Church where he taught Sunday School and catechism, was an elder and served many years on the consistory.  Lester was also a member of the Aplington AMVETs.  He enjoyed golfing and he and Martha participated in couple’s tournaments.  Lester enjoyed fishing in Minnesota and playing in the fast pitch league for church.  Lester loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events.

Lester died on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Maple Manor Village in Aplington.  Lester was preceded in death by his son, Byron; a son-in-law, James Limburg, his parents, Henry and Anna Johnson; four brothers, Harm, Johnny, Henry and Gerald in infancy; and three sisters, Kathryn Harms, Johanna Kannegieter and Esther Spain.

Lester is survived by his wife of 71 years, Martha, of Aplington; three children, Manelva Limburg of Aplington, Leon (Sheryl) Johnson of Parkersburg, Galene (Randy) Harken of Aplington; a daughter-in-law, DeAnn Johnson of Aplington; 10 grandchildren, Adam (Alissa) Limburg, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Marvin) Charles, Neisha (Aidan) Hart, Paige (Bryce) Huddleston, Alecia Morris, Brett (Laura) Morris, Mallory (Matt) Morris, Matt (Sarah) Harken, Alex (Anna) Johnson, Landon (Haley) Johnson: 24 great grandchildren, Lincoln, Rosie, Kyla, Tre, Kingston, Vinny, Gavin, Lorelai, Briggs, Jhent, Trey (fiancée , Alli), Ashton, Brodee, Macoy, Melaina, Shore, Thomas, Kiara, Jade, Sloan, Kai, Blakely, Titus & Macy; one great great-grand granddaughter, Everlee; two sisters, Angeline Reinicke of Reinbeck, Iowa and Lois (Clyde) Glenn of St. Charles, Missouri; three brothers-in-law, Harold DeBeer of Cedar Falls, Mel Bohlen of Allison,  and Marvin (Elaine) Bohlen of Clarksville, and a sister-in-law, Fannie Meyer of Parkersburg.

  A Celebration of Life was held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Bethel Reformed Church in Aplington.  Pastor Treye Schupbach officiated the service and Adam Limburg shared a special reading, “Are You Discouraged”.  The organist was Belva Schipper and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”.  Sarah Harken sang “One Day At A Time” and “He Washed My Eyes With Tears” by Gaither Vocal Band was played.  Burial was held at Bethel Reformed Cemetery in rural, Aplington with Lester’s grandsons, Adam Limburg, Matt Harken, Alex Johnson, Landon Johnson, Brett Morris, Matt Morris, Marvin Charles, Aidan Hart and Bryce Huddleston serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearers were Lester’s granddaughters.  Military rites were conducted by Aplington AMVETS Post #102.

Visitation was held on Thursday, October 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Bethel Reformed Church and one hour before the service.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Student Connection or Care Initiatives Hospice.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com