Gregory Johnson

Gregory Lee Johnson, 39, of Peosta, Iowa, formerly of Clear Lake, lost his 10-year struggle with depression on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

A “Gathering of Remembrance” will be held on Saturday, June 9, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake Arts Center, 17 S. 4th St., Clear Lake.

In lieu of customary remembrances, any memorial contributions may be directed to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Iowa Chapter in Ankeny, or to Everybody Plays Playground, in Clear Lake.

Greg was born on Jan. 20, 1979, in Mason City, Iowa, to Steven and Marilyn (Van Duzer) Johnson.   He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1997 and from Iowa State University in 2002 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.  He was married on May 20, 2006 to Annie Johnson.  They later divorced, but maintained shared care of their daughter, Lauren.

Greg worked for Tones Spices in Ankeny, Iowa and later in their corporate office in Oak Brook, Ill.  His last years of employment were with NU World Amaranth Inc.  in Dyersville, Iowa.

Following in his father’s footsteps, he developed an interest in ceramics, especially enjoying researching and experimenting with new surface techniques for his pots.  Greg became involved in Inspiration Stables, a therapeutic horseback riding program focusing on children with special needs.  He volunteered in the stables helping to prepare their temporary location in Epworth, Iowa, which recently opened.  He was an avid Iowa State football and basketball fan and of course, hit the links in Iowa and Arizona.

Greg was a kind and gentle soul who felt things deeply – such a good man, son, brother, uncle and a devoted and loving daddy to his Lauren.  He was continually looking for new adventures and learning experiences for her. His favorite things with Lauren were going for ice cream, jumping together on the trampoline in their back yard, running through the sprinkler, watching her roller skate around their house with her Kindle in hand, taking her on hikes, and when in Clear Lake, enjoyed boating, swimming and best of all celebrating the 4th of July with family.

Greg was the best uncle ever to his nieces and nephews – a magician, Santa, story teller, Lego engineer and an energetic swimming pool buddy.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Lauren Johnson; parents, Steve and Marilyn Johnson; sister, Abbie (Jason) Smith; grandfather, Al Turek; niece and nephew, Mia and Gabe Smith; aunt, Eileen Johnson; aunt, Julie (Jim) Elting; cousins Ryan (Marthe, Alma and Eliza) Elting and Andrew (Jessica and Hattie) Elting; and ex-wife, Annie Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth Van Duzer, Wayne and Esther Johnson and June Turek.

We will always carry Greg’s memory in our heart.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.