"Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the family. "
In loving memory of
Norman Lee Johnston
December 11, 1946 - January 14, 2022
Norman Lee Johnston was born on December 11, 1946 to Marlin Sr. and Hazel (Goddard) Johnston in Denison, Iowa. He received his education through Denison schools, his military service and Western Iowa Tech. He was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1966. When his initial service was up, he reenlisted and served through May of 1971, having obtained the rank of SGT E5. Norman married Susan Goslar on September 30, 1972 at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak. The couple made their home in Denison and were blessed with two sons.
"Stormin Norman" started work at the Holiday Station continuing on with Bohlmann Incorporated and Petersen Manufacturing for well over 25 years combined, while moonlighting with Mesenbrink 76. After 15 dedicated years, he retired from the Crawford County Memorial Hospital as a janitor in 2015. He cherished his job at the hospital because he was able to see so many faces throughout the day, including his wife's.
Norm was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. He was a friend to many and he never knew a stranger. He is a kind, gentle and humble man. It was in his nature to open doors for others and greet them with a smile. He cherished spending time with his family and especially enjoyed trips to Des Moines to visit his grandkids and travels to casinos. One of his favorite pastimes was driving around with Sue and looking at the deer, geese and other animals at Yellow Smoke. A favorite tradition was getting together with Mark and Pam McNutt for their annual New Years' Eve bash, being made more special with Dick Clark saving their front row seats.
Norman passed away surrounded by his family at Eventide Lutheran Home on January 14, 2022 at the age of 75 years, one month and three days.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Marlin Johnston Jr. He is survived by his wife, Sue Johnston of Denison; two sons: Jeff (Jessica) Johnston of Clive and Ryan Johnston of Denison; three grandchildren: Colin, Avery and Lucas Johnston; brother, Dean (Jodi) Johnston of Denison; siblings-in-law: Byron (Rhonda) Goslar of Lake View, Dwight (Letha) Goslar of Ute, Richard (Kathy) Goslar of Charter Oak, Bernie Goslar and special friend, Michelle Thomas of Ute, Gregg (Leslie) Goslar of Mapleton; his cat, Nicky; and many other relatives and friends.
The visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment with military honors will be held in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens Cemetery also in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the Eventide Endowment Fund or Crawford County Memorial Hospital Bus Transportation.
The funeral service will be live streamed on the Huebner Funeral Home Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/huebnerfuneralhome
The family has asked that anyone who is unvaccinated to please wear a mask.
Tributes
"God?s comfort to Sue & family - loved Norm - he was always smiling and laughing when I knew him years ago - it was always a great pleasure to see him & Sue - God?s rest brother in Jesus !!!"
"We are thankfully able to watch and listen to the funeral live on our computer from Minnesota. We would be with you Sue if it were not for illness and COLD weather driving conditions. We will miss Norman so much and have such fond memories of past times, in Denison and also Lake Panora. And in times growing up, annual vacations to Denison, visiting Grandma and Grandpa as kids, when we would hang out in their yard of the LaFonda Court, playing yard games until dark while G & G and Marj and Roy waited to be able to post the NO VACANCY sign! Norman was a gentle, kind kid even way back then, except when it came to a serious game of Star Lite Star Bright and he wanted to be the scary ghost who chased everybody around in the dark! Fun to reminisce, life goes too quickly. But Norman enjoyed life and loved his neighbors and family, and loved Jesus and he is with Him today. Love to you Sue and family. Corrine and Jim"
"Sue and family! My deepest sympathy. "
"I'm sorry to hear of Norm's passing. My condolences to you all. Camille Shipley"
"Susan and family We were so sorry to learn about Norman. Our condolences to the family. Love to all Uncle Sherman and Aunt Ann"
"Dearest Sue, Jeff, Ryan and families: aside from family ties, we've known you for decades. Not in a formal card club, but whenever our schedules would mesh there was always a Canasta game in the works! Once a month, back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, we always looked forward to an evening of great food, laughs and card fun. "Mr. Bates" was quite the sly one when it came to cards! And the 1970s Saturday Night Live skits we'd all imitate (think Todd & Lisa, "that's a stunning housecoat, Mrs. Loopner.") Jeff and Elliott's friendship grew out of those days, and we had joyful moments cheering them on at high school cross country meets. You and Norm were loving caregivers to so many, Sue. Now it's our turn to help you out when you need something. God's blessings and comfort to all of you! Renee and Butch Miller "
"Norm were a good man good jokes you could always make us laugh."
"I am so sad to hear that Norm has left this realm. He was a wonderful man. He always greeted everyone with a smile. I loved his jokes."
"Always had fun with you guys at card club at McNutts. What a fun bunch we had. He will be missed. Sending hugs!!"
"Norm was a wonderful man ... always a kind word, smile, and laugh. Sending healing thoughts, healing prayers, hugs and love to family and friends. Very sorry for your loss. ? "
"Sue and Family, Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family during this Difficult time! ??"