Forrest G. Johnson

Forrest G. Johnson passed away peacefully in Erie, Colorado, formally of Davenport, Iowa, on August 16, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on November 9, 1929, in New Bedford, Illinois to Dewey and Jeannette (Murphy) Johnson.

Forrest spend part of his childhood growing up on a houseboat on the Hennepin Canal before his family moved to Annawan, Illinois where he grew up. He graduated from Annawan Alba Township High School.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts where he served as an aircraft mechanic. During his service he met and married the love of his life, Audrey Jean Wilson, in 1952. After their marriage, Forrest and Audrey moved to Davenport, Iowa. Forrest attended St. Ambrose College and later began a long career with Alcoa as a physical testing analyst, retiring after 38 years of dedicated service.

Forrest and Audrey shared many special talents and memories throughout their marriage. For 27 years, they made wedding and special occasion cakes. Audrey baked the cakes while Forrest decorated them. Their beautiful creations became well known, and many people enjoyed the cakes they made together.

Forrest had a great love for dogs. Over the years he raised and showed several different breeds, with a special fondness for Dalmatians and Papillons. In 1967 they got their first Dalmatian and began what would become a three-decade journey with Dalmatians of Croatia. His dedication in breeding and showing earned him recognition as a Breeder of Merit. Forrest and Audrey also founded the Davenport Dalmatian Club, and in 1978 they obtained AKC licensing for Dalmatian shows.

In 1997, Forrest and Audrey welcomed their first Papillon into their lives, and in 1999 they established Zelicaon Papillons. In 2010, Forrest was named Top Breeder in the Country, and in 2012, he received his Breeder of Merit recognition.

Forrest also had a deep appreciation for gardening, particularly his beloved Hostas. He raised hostas, and was a member of the American Hosta Society, taking great pride in his yard, and sharing his love for these beautiful plants.

In his later years, Forrest enjoyed shooting air pistols, bingo, cards, chicken foot, senior lunches and church.

Most of all, Forrest was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He treasured his family and the many memories they created together.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his children, Gary Johnson, Grandville, Michigan; Luanne Lee, Erie, Colorado; Janet (Steve) Swisher, Wilton, Iowa; Lisa (Jerry) Ruefer, Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter-in-law Cindy Johnson, Bettendorf, Iowa, along with his nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews, who will carry his memory forward. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Gump, who held a very special place in Dad’s heart and was a faithful companion to him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey Jean; sons, Mark and Jeffrey; son-in-law Ronald Lee; brothers Benny Johnson and Arnold Johnson; and his parents Dewey and Jeannette Johnson.

Military Funeral Honors will be presented in recognition of Forrest’s honorable service to our country.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 1 to 2:30 PM in the Legacy Room at Davenport Memorial Park, located at: 1200 E. 39th street, Davenport, Iowa.