Howard, nicknamed “Hojo”, was born in Davenport, IA, to Forrest and Frances Johnston on October 3rd, 1950. He grew up in Donahue, IA.
Howard graduated from North Scott High School. He attended Blackhawk College and University of Iowa through satellite programs. He worked at John Deere Davenport Works for 33 years to the day (7/6/76-7/6/09).
Howard married Kate Johnston on March 19, 1977, in Moline, IL. She and her father taught Hojo to play golf, and he loved the sport. He was also a Minnesota Viking fan, an Iowa Hawkeye fan, and Quad City Steamwheelers fan.
Howard is survived by three brothers, Steve (Lynette), Davenport, IA, Danny, Donahue, IA, and Gary, Davenport, IA; two sisters, Irene (Terry) Morgan, Racine, WI, and Linda Tilford, Hiawatha, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by a daughter from his first marriage, Valerie (Chris) Homan; grandson, Colton; granddaughter, Lacey (Trent); and a great grandson, Kaysen Kemp, all of Bellevue, IA.
Howard and Kate had a son, their only child, Jack Johnston who was killed on 4/30/01 by a drunk driver near Iowa City, IA.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Runge Mortuary. Please feel free to wear your Steamwheelers jersey. A private burial will follow.
