Dale Addison Johnson Jr., age 65, of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. A visitation will be held Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. with luncheon and burial to follow.
Dale was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 15th, 1958. Growing up in the country Dale had a horse named Peanuts and before school each morning he would feed his horse, the chickens, and other livestock. He graduated from SE Polk High School and served in the Air National Guard-Air Force with the 132nd Tactical Fighter Wing. Dale married Dawn Spuzello in 1980 and together they welcomed their only child Dana.
Dale retired from Wells Fargo Financial after 30 years in Corporate Properties. The 1st of each month was his favorite day as he collected rent from his various rental properties.
Dale loved collecting country western memorabilia and watching old cowboy movies with his grandchildren. Roy Rogers and John Wayne were two of his favorites. He also loved to collect cars and according to his wife, he had too many. Spending time with his grandchildren allowed him to teach them mechanical skills to help Papa fix cars, mow the yard, and help with the pool. Summer was his favorite time of the year where he would tend to his garden and swimming pool. Dale had many friends who would stop by for a dip in the pool and a “cold one”.
He also enjoyed traveling. Dale loved Siesta Key, FL and for the last 5 years he and Dawn would travel to Siesta Key with family and friends to escape the cold Iowa winter weather. Dale cherished his time with his family. He loved the sleepovers with his grandchildren. He enjoyed going to Uptown Food and Beverage in Ankeny for pizza nights with his family. Every winter they would have a pasta night making homemade Cavatelli with the hand crank pasta maker from Aunt Josephine. Other traditions included Christmas Prime Rib, Iowa State Fair days, and family BBQ’s around the pool.
Dale is preceded in death by his father Dale Johnson Sr., his mother Patricia Johnson, father-in-law Fred Spuzello; and niece, Alexis Olson. He is survived by his wife Dawn, daughter Dana Ranniger, son-in-law Anthony Ranniger, grandchildren Jackson and Delaney, brother Jeffrey Johnson (Tammy), sister Rose Burns (Charles), sister-in-law Debra Olson, mother-in-law JoAnne Wash, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Ronald McDonald House and Lutheran Church of Hope West Des Moines.
