Charles Clifford Johnson

Charlie was born on August 28, 1928, to Virgil & Vera Johnson. He had 3 siblings: Jimmy Jay Johnson, Marge Ann Crees, and Virgina Carol Bell.

He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School on January 26, 1946, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 1, 1946. He served as a Sergeant at the reproduction center in Quantico, Virginia. He was honorably discharged on December 17, 1947, at the Great Lakes Naval Station.

He met his wife Jane, in July 1948 at Trinity Methodist Church. They were married in September 1950. Charlie became widowed in December 2013.

He retired on May 1, 1986, from the Equitable Life of Iowa Insurance Company after 33 years of service in their Print Shop.

Charlie was a third-degree Mason, a York Rite Mason and a member of the Za Ga Zig Shrine. As a Shrine clown he served more than 25 years and organized another clown group known as the “Korn Patch Klowns” and later became a storyteller. He joined the Two Rivers Story Spinners.

In July 2014 Charlie and Jane Marie Flagler began dating and they quickly realized they were in love. Charlie and Jane spent the next 10 years traveling the world, volunteering in their community, and building a wonderful life together.

Charles C. Johnson was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jane Steward Johnson. Charles is survived by his 3 children: Linda Marie (David) Fullhart, Peggy Jean Nielsen, and Jay Steward (Hilda) Johnson. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren: Kathryn Marie Fullhart (Chris) Galle, Sarah Berniece Fullhart (Adam Troeger), Tyler John (Tara) Nielsen, Bennett Charles Nielsen, and Corbin Linn (Taylor) Nielsen. He was also blessed with 9 great grandchildren: Tory Linn Nielsen, Henry Charles Troeger, Max Conrad Troeger, Tatum Charles Nielsen, Anderson David Galle, Eleanor Marie Galle, Sullivan John Nielsen, Tessa Anne Nielsen, and Ellis Charles Nielsen.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 2:00 until 4:00 pm at the First Unitarian Church (1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315)

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Shrine Hospital or Iowa Public Television is appreciated