John Hilmer Johnson II

John H. Johnson II, age 81, passed away at his home on September 28, 2026.

He was born June 18, 1945, to the late John and Jo Ann (Byars) Johnson in Omaha, NE. John graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School with the class of 1964 and then proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. during the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam and leaving the service, he took a job with Rosen-Novak as an auto body and paint technician. He was married on September 13, 1973. John worked for his father-in-law at Maximilian Kerr Associates then eventually took a position with Bozell and Jacobs as manager of Audio/Visual Communications for the New Jersey and Washington DC offices where he was responsible for planning, production and project coordination of presentations for variety of corporate clients. Later in his career he returned to the trades as a plumber and maintenance mechanic until his retirement in 2004.

John always loved grilling, smoking and cooking and he was very good at it. He passed his knowledge to his son, Jeff and it was something they always enjoyed doing together. John would often grill for a crowd. A testament to him finding joy in doing things that brought people together. John loved gatherings and camping trips with his friends and family.

He was a Minnesota Vikings fan. He enjoyed going on fishing trips to Minnesota with his sons where they made beautiful memories before the passing of his beloved son, Todd in Dec 2001

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death his son, Todd Johnson; sister, Mary Grogan; infant sister, Ann.

John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Julie Johnson; son, Jeff Johnson (Sarah); daughter, Katharyn Millichap (Jeff); brothers, Jim Johnson (Cheryl), and Tim Johnson; sisters, Kathy Dorsey (Herb), Carol Jennings (David), Patty Johnson; grandchildren, Alex, Gracie, Lauren, Max, Liam, Audrey, Mikah, and Elijah; brothers-in-law and their spouses, Brian Kerr (Don) and Alan Kerr (Caren); nieces, nephews, and cousins; a host of other family and friends.

a Celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Goozman's Westside Bar & Grill in Harlan, Iowa.