Alfred Johnson

Alfred was a quiet, stoic Iowa man. Life was not easy growing up, but he loved everything about Iowa, most especially Muscatine -his hometown, his brother and sister, uncle, and cousins. He remembered everyone, especially in his prayer life. Feelings and emotions ran deep in his heart and soul. He was always at a loss for words in large crowds. However, in smaller, familiar settings he could display a sudden and funny sense of humor that was often startling, and cause everyone to break out in laughter. He had an Iowa-farmer’s green thumb -whatever he planted, grew. He was kind to and concerned for the environment. He loved gardening and everything related to plants, flowers, animals and nature. He enjoyed taking care of our house and its yard. Always busy with the lawn, flowers, plants, and bird houses. He loved animals. He had fond memories of a little pony he enjoyed riding as a very young child and his pet kitten that used to share his bed. He loved tigers and dragons so much he had to have a tattoo of each on each arm.

Alfred loved music and loved to sing, but only in a group setting or in the church choir. He developed a very close-knit relationship with his Darmstadt, Germany choir for almost twenty years. Their bond, and part of his heart was broken when the Darmstadt army base closed in 2008, and everyone dispersed to the four corners of the world. He loved his twelve (12) years in the Army in the armor division. As a tanker, he thoroughly enjoyed everything related to the Old Ironsides. He was stationed in Ft. Carson, Ft. Bliss, Panmunjom, South Korea and several bases in Germany. He was honorably discharged as a Vietnam-Era Veteran. His ties with the military were never broken, though, as he continued to work in sales and as a truck driver with AAFES until his retirement.

Through the Army AirForce Exchange Services (AAFES) he deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq honorably assisting and serving the deployed troops. They were difficult and stressful deployments. He came back with his own share of PTSD.

Even though Alfred was quiet and reserved, he naturally loved life and enjoyed people. He was always a faithful and loyal friend. He fondly remembered his few loyal childhood and high school friends. He was also a man of his word. He made every effort never to break a promise no matter how trivial or even if it concerned strangers. It would grieve him if he was forced to break his word. He was a great listener; never criticized or gave his opinion unless he was asked; and even then, he was careful to voice only what was necessary and pertinent. Therefore, he never knowingly made enemies, but was courteous to everyone, most especially because of his Faith in God.

Alfred was a faithful, joyful, and devoted son of the Catholic Church. It was this same Holy Faith in God and Jesus that saw him through very difficult times and throughout every phase and stage of his life until the day he died.

During his overseas tours in Germany and South Korea he served the Church as a lector, choir member and Eucharistic Minister. Whenever possible, he assisted and served even during his two deployments. He was deeply saddened that due to his Parkinson’s disease he was no longer able to serve in these capacities. However, he was hopeful that with the help of therapy he could begin to lector once again.

He loved Christmas, his favorite season. He enjoyed the extra time with the church choir learning and practicing all the Christmas liturgical hymns and songs. He loved shopping for special treats and gifts for his kids, even as money was tight, and later for the grandkids. He regretted when the kids grew older. As he himself remained a kid at heart, he could not come to terms that the little funny gifts he enjoyed giving would now have to be replaced for more modern, electronic gadgets. It was very difficult for him to accept the fact that he had to start giving out gift cards. He felt gift cards did not offer the personal love and touch he felt when he personally picked and chose the gifts.

His love for Christmas extended into playing Santa. He made a fantastic Santa, always joyful, and willing to sit for hours with the kids listening to their wishes. He even played Santa for adults at the AAFES store in Darmstadt, Germany. Even during his deployment in Afghanistan, he delighted playing Santa for the soldiers. He also played Santa at my school in South Korea for several years. Kids and teachers truly enjoyed his willingness to sit with all the kids and walk the hallways giving out candy and greeting classrooms. His heart burst with happiness the whole Christmas season.

He was also a joyful Cursillista, member of the Cursillo movement. His heart and spirit were always uplifted whenever he attended an Ultreya event.

Furthermore, he served the Church as a Knight of Columbus which he joined in South Korea. He was a loyal and proud Sir Knight, 4th degree Member, Assembly No. 3348.

Alfred had a deep love for each of his children, Cheri, his little house mouse, and his two wonderful, loving sons, Nick, and Ben. They were his heart and soul. There was not a single day he did not think about them, worry about their life events and pray for their well-being and future. His love expanded when his two granddaughters, Cloe and Ashlynn were born. They became the apple of his eyes.

“My beloved Alfred was a loving, devoted, attentive and concerned husband. He was my perfect mate, partner and companion. We met in a pilgrimage in Medugorje in Bosnia-Herzogovina. The Blessed Mother of God, the Virgin Mary brought us together and led us into a blessed, loving marriage. While we lived in Europe, we both enjoyed our travels throughout Germany and other European countries, Egypt, Cyprus, and later Asian countries. We enjoyed visiting Catholic shrines in each of those countries, thanking God and praying for family, relatives and friends. When the time came, our house in San Antonio, Texas became our favorite place to be. Our life together was much too short. We will await until the time we can be reunited once again for eternity. Jesus in Thee we Trust!” so beautifully said by his beloved wife.

Alfred leaves behind his wife Maria Elena Johnson; Daughter: Cheri Lynn Slay (Frank Slay), Sons: Nicholas Wayne Johnson and Benjamin Scott Johnson; Granddaughters: Cloe Laila ElSayed and Ashlynn Marie Slay; Brother James Edward Johnson, Sister Cathy Maylone, Uncle Lyle Krueger; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews.

He has now reunited with Parents: James Alfred Johnson, Jr., Lila Krueger, and grandparents; and brother-in-law Francisco Jimenez.

A vistiation for Alfred will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. With a rosary to follow. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 20523 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258. A committal service will occur Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 1:15 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78234.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetNorthFuneralHome.com for the Johnson family.