Gary Lee Johanningmeier

Gary L. Johanningmeier, 82, of rural Waukon, IA, died peacefully, surrounded by many members of his family, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. He died of a brain hemorrhage after a recent stroke. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 26th, at 11:00 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church with Pastor Abraham Faugstad officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery both in rural Waterville, IA. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until time of services at the church on Friday. Martin – Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church.

Gary Lee Johanningmeier was born June 12, 1943, in Monona, IA, the son of Lloyd and Ulina (Thein) Johanningmeier. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monona, and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elkport, IA. He graduated in 1962 from Ed-Co High School in Edgewood, IA. After graduation, he began his livestock farming career.

On May 7, 1977, he married Linda Lee LaRue at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elkport, IA. Together, they raised five children: Bill (Marcy) Johanningmeier of rural LaPorte City, IA; Eric (Lita) Johanningmeier of Troutdale, OR; Jim (Renea) Johanningmeier of rural Waukon; Robert (Lindsey) Johanningmeier of Waukon; and Heidi Johanningmeier of Grayslake, IL.

Faith, Family, and Farming were the three most important aspects of Gary’s life. He was a devout Christian and attended church regularly. He was a member of Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church and shared his love of God by the way that he interacted with family and friends with his quick smile, his laugh, and his great sense of humor. Family was always extremely important to Gary. He taught his children that work was important in life and that everyone needed to be a part of that work. All of the children had chores to do and when big projects came along, everyone was expected to help. Gary spent his entire life being a livestock farmer. Whether it was dairy cows, beef cows, hogs, or horses, he loved taking care of his livestock. He truly believed that a farm was the perfect place to raise a family. He loved to work and at 82, whether he was doing his farm chores, or driving his pickup around the countryside to check on the cows out on pasture, he was an extremely happy person.

Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda, of rural Waukon; his sons: Bill, Eric, Jim, and Robert; and his daughter, Heidi; nineteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Shirley Nelson of Cedar Rapids; a brother, Lloyd Johanningmeier of Monona; a sister-in law, Kathryn Gronberg of North Branch, MN; a brother-in-law, Dave LaRue of Orange, MA; an aunt, Betty Kleinow of Mc Gregor, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Ulina Johanningmeier, three brothers-in-law, Richard Nelson, William Gronberg, and Rick LaRue, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Casketbearers are Sons: Bill, Eric, Jim, and Robert Johanningmeier; and Grandsons: Dan, Charles, Issac, and Ashton Johanningmeier, and Gary Houchen.