Brian Johnson

Brian Robert Johnson of Johnston, Iowa, was born in Harlan, Iowa, on November 13, 1957, to Darrell and Lois Johnson, the eldest of four children. He died on August 12, 2026, from injuries sustained in a fall.

Growing up, his family moved often — 11 schools in 13 years — which may be where he picked up his gift for making fast friends anywhere. He graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 1976 before attending trade school to study electronics. Brian worked for Xerox and Laser Resources, retiring in 2024.

Above all, Brian had a huge heart for the people in his life. BJ, as his friends called him, will be remembered as patient, gentle, funny and warm, with an easy way of taking things as they came — “it’s all good” was as much a philosophy as a phrase. He was a loving Papa to his grandchildren and a generous friend to all — he showed up for the people he loved, including coaching both of his boys in soccer, street hockey, and baseball.

While some of his hobbies were short-lived, he always went ALL IN — and to be fair, that was the fun of it for Brian. An unofficial connoisseur of hot sauce, ice cream with balsamic vinegar (which he swore by), barbecue rubs and sauces, craft beer, bourbon, and woodworking, his passions were always evolving. Others stayed with him for a lifetime: his music collection, golfing with friends and family, biking the trails of Des Moines, and making his customary Costco runs three times a week. He was also a diehard fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Manchester United, and most recently rediscovered hockey through his grandson’s love for the Iowa Wild. But the greatest joy of his life was spending time with his children and grandchildren, to the very end.

He is survived by his wife, Jody; his sons, Beau (Alissa) of Omaha and Joe (Anna) of Waukee; his stepdaughter, Holly (Josh) Wiedow of Chicago; his siblings, Carmen Larson and Sheryl Carman, both of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Ron Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona; his grandchildren, Zoe, Niles, Hank, Beckham, and Amelia; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Lois Johnson.

Brian left this life the way he lived it — surrounded by the family he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and remembered for making everyone feel like they belonged.

A celebration of Brian’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. At 12:30 p.m., a service will be held to honor and remember Brian, followed immediately by his burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Following the burial, family and friends are warmly invited to continue celebrating Brian’s life, sharing memories, and honoring his legacy at a Celebration of Life gathering at Crown Point Community Center in Johnston, Iowa, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for a fund that will be used to honor Brian’s memory.