Lester P. Johnson, 92, Aplington

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.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Bethel Reformed Church, with burial in the Bethel Reformed Cemetery, both in rural Aplington.

Visitation will be 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.