Wallace Ellsworth Johnson

Northwood, Iowa

Wally lived and farmed with his family in rural Worth County Iowa with parents Thomas and Mabel and three sisters, Blanche, Fern and Mardell. Wally left his Iowa farm and family and was inducted into the Army on February14, 1943 to begin basic training for World War II at Fort Riley, Kansas. On July 25, 1943 he boarded the Queen Mary (then converted to a troop ship) and four days later docked in Scotland for additional war training in England. He was successful in the Normandy Invasion and survived the landing on Omaha Beach, unlike many of his fallen fellow soldiers.

His assignment was as a Front Scout for the Army Unit 102nd Cavalry Mechanized, fought at length in France and was in Czechoslovakia when the war ended. On September 10, 1945, his Unit parked their vehicles and equipment in Paris, France and began their return to the United States. Upon returning to the U.S., Wally attended and graduated from Iowa State University on the G. I. Bill. He married Shirley L. Helvick of Forest City, Iowa on June 13, 1948.

With a degree in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, he became a County Agent in Mason City, Iowa for a short time and then began farming in rural Northwood, Iowa. While farming, Wally decided to travel to Montana on several occasions to purchase and transport sheep by train back to Iowa for sale to area interests. On one occasion, he and Shirley stopped in Denver on their way home and thought they should move there someday, which they did on November 11, 1961.

One of the first things they did after arriving in Aurora was to join St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Wally was very active with the church for many decades and both children, Tom and Sue, were confirmed at St. Marks. Wally enjoyed great success as a Realtor and Property Manager in Aurora, Colorado and was president of the Aurora Board of Realtors in the 1960’s. His career continued in Aurora until his retirement, at which time the Property Management portion of Wally’s business was taken over by daughter Sue Bergan and son in law, Jay Bergan.

Wally is survived by his son Tom (Liz) Johnson and daughter Susan (Jay) Bergan. He has four grandchildren, Jenny and Matt Johnson and Jena and Cody (Amy) Bergan. His memory is cherished by loving friends and family all across this great country for which he fought as a young man.

Viewing with be at 10:30 a.m. and Services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 11th at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 111 Del Mar Circle, Aurora, Colorado 80011,. In lieu of Flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at the above address in the name of Wallace E. Johnson.