Kenneth Johnston Jr.
July 20, 1942 ~ March 30, 2011
Kenneth P. Johnston Jr., age 68 of Ionia died Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at his home.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday April 1, 2011, at Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home, Nashua with Pastor Jane Keel of Messiah Lutheran Church, Charles City presiding.
Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday at funeral home. Interment will be in the New Hampton City Cemetery with Jeremy Johnston, Seth Johnston, Jared Johnston, Derek Bean, Brandon Parks, Jeridan Parks, and Madison Clay serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers include Nichole Schultz, Bradon Roth, Madysen Roth, and Alivia Parks.
Kenneth Petor Johnston Jr. was born July 20, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa the son of Kenneth and Jean (Sulentic) Johnson, Sr. He graduated from Charles City High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 23, 1964. On June 10, 1968, he was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
On July 20, 1968, Kenneth was united in marriage to Karen Kuker in Charles City. The couple enjoyed three children together and many happy years of marriage. Kenneth worked alongside his father, before working for Wastewater Treatment Management in Clear Lake. He then went on to become a police officer working in Clear Lake and New Hampton. He worked for John Deere until health issues forced him to retire.
He worked over ten years as the Floyd County Director of Veteran Affairs and was a service officer to many area veterans organizations. He was proud of his service, and was always looking out for fellow Vietnam Veterans. He assisted on many local disaster drills in Charles City. He was active with Toys for Tots and delivered groceries annually around Christmas to families in need. He will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend.
Kenneth is survived by father, Kenneth L. Johnston Sr., Nashua; his ex-wife, Karen of Charles City; a son, Jeremy (Roxane Clay) of Ionia; two daughters, Jennifer Johnston of Elkader, IA, Lana (Dave) Cournia of Jackson, WI; two brothers, Peter (Becky) Johnston of Ionia, Mike (Carolyn) Johnston of Clarksville; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanne.
Just one more time. i want to hear your voice Just one more time. i want to hear you laugh Just one more time I want to hear you call me pea pod just one more time I want to hear you say’lock and load!’ Just one more time i want to hear you say’oh god well all be killed’ Just one more time I want to hear you say ‘come on the bus is leaving’ Just one more time I want to hear you say that you love me Just one more time I want to hear your stories Just one more time I want to hear you tell me how much you loved me even before i was born just one more time I want to hear you say how much you and mom wanted me who am i kidding, i dont just want it all one more time, i want it for years to come. I will always love you, I will always love you, and you will be in my heart now and forever. i love you Dad And want you back.
Grandpa, I miss you so much there isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do to see you one more time, hear you laugh one more time, hear your voice and listen to your advice one more time. Losing you is the hardest thing to go through. But thank you for being around me protecting me. dancing with your great granddaughter and making her laugh out of the blue I may not be able to see you but she sure can. I know it’s you with us ever day we love you so much I can not wait to be held in your arms one more time I miss you. Thank you for never really leaving us. I love you and I miss you poopy head.
to my friend and father there isnt a day that goes by that i dont talk bout u or think about u i am my fathers keeper
from Marlene Hennick, Charles City. Please accept my sympathy to the family. I was secretary at Lincoln Elementary when Jeremy was there. When Ken was Director of Vet Affairs he helped me out with many things re my brother, veteran Wayne Anderson. Ken was a very kind, helpful, are caring person. I was happy to get to know him.
My heart, as well as my prayers, are going to his family and dearest friends. As life goes on, but earth life stops, the memories will last forever in our hearts. God bless and RIP
Karen and Family. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Kenny, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Johnston family,We are so saddened to hear of Kenny’s passing. Your family has our deepest sympathy. Please know that you will all be in our thoughts and prayers as you face the difficult days ahead. We are thinking of all of you.