Eileen Johnson, 90

Eileen Johnson, age 90, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the daughter of Henry and Minnie (Warschkow) Bennewitz, on May 28, 1932, in Hampton, Iowa. She graduated from Dows High School in 1949 and went to further her education at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. At the age of 50, Eileen graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, with a degree in Religion. 

      On January 15, 1955, Eileen was united in marriage with Henry A. Johnson at Zion Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa. After their marriage, the couple lived on the family farm north of Aplington, Iowa and later moved east of Ackley, Iowa. They then moved northwest of Aplington, where they farmed. During this time, Eileen farmed with Henry, worked for the Ackley Newspaper, worked in the office at the Ackley Presbyterian Village, and as an interim pastor at several churches. The last being The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She also volunteered as a hospital chaplain at the Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. In 1997, Henry and Eileen moved into Parkersburg after retirement.

Eileen was an active member at the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Ackley. She taught both Sunday School and Confirmation classes, was a member of the Women’s Fellowship and loved to volunteer. She was a 4-H and Cub Scout Leader, and a part of the Parkersburg Historical Society. 

In her spare time, she enjoyed birdwatching, volunteering as a poll watcher, and researching genealogy. She loved to travel, especially to Germany, Jerusalem, and to 48 states. She was advanced in technology and enjoyed building her own computers and teaching others how to use them. She especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, Eileen died surrounded by family at Scenic Living Communities in Iowa Falls, Iowa, of natural causes. Eileen was proceeded in death by her husband, Henry Johnson (January 17, 2014),  her parents; her grandson, Nathan Keninger, and brother, Wayne Bennewitz. 

Eileen is survived by three children, Sheila (George) Gordon of Stewart, Tennessee, Doug (Kathy) Johnson of Aplington, Iowa and Regina (Landy) Calfee of Iowa Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren, Crissy Kentopp (Joe Anderson), Chad Hon, Sabrina (Taner) Mai, Tabitha Johnson, Holli (Dinesh) Keshwani and Trevor Keninger; 11 great-grandchildren, Ariel, Lucas, Khloe, Ty’Rique, Tareya, Kendyl, Weston, Maya, Ava, Ella, and Payton; three in-laws, Ann Reinieke of Dike, Iowa, Lois (Clyde) Glenn of St. Charles, Missouri, and Lester (Martha) Johnson, of Aplington, Iowa. 

A Celebration of Life was held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Ackley, Iowa, with Pastor DJ Steen officiating.  Organist was Gertrude “Sis” Ackerman and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and “What a Day That Will Be”.  Randy Aalderks sang “Little Brown Church in the Vale” and “How Great Thou Art”.  Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg with Crissy Kentopp, Chad Hon, Sabrina Mai, Tabitha Johnson, Holli Keshwani and Trevor Keninger serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearer was Nathan Keninger.  

Visitation was held one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services, Parkersburg Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com