Geneva G. Johnson

Geneva G. Johnson, 85, of Lansing, IA, passed from this life to her eternal home on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon, IA, following several years of Alzheimer's disease. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 12th, at 5:00 PM at United Methodist Church in Lansing, with Pastor Kevin Smith officiating. Friends may greet the family from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the church on Friday before the services. Martin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Geneva G. (Fink) Johnson was born on July 22, 1927 to Leo and Lydia (Meyer) Fink in Lansing, IA. In 1945 she graduated from Lansing High School where she played basketball. After graduation she and her twin sister Jeanette attended Beauty School in Waterloo, IA. She had a beauty shop in Waukon and Lansing for several years and then operated out of her home until retirement. Growing up her children thought it strange that their friends' homes didn't come equipped with a stylist chair and dryer in their dining rooms.

On September 26, 1951, she married Robert J. Johnson of Lansing, IA in Chicago, IL. He preceded her in death on March 27, 1996.

Geneva found joy in many things. She loved to garage sale with her twin, and "I'd rather dance than eat" was a favorite saying of hers. She was never without a joke, usually finished by Jeanette. It's hard to think of one without thinking of the other. She loved her children and grandchildren and her home was always full of family and friends. Six years prior to going to Good Samaritan, Gevena was able to stay in her home, cared for by her daughter Karmel, along with the rest of her children and grandchildren. On weekends it was always a party at the Johnson Farm.


Geneva was active in all aspects of the family farm since her husband Bob was on the road a lot. She could often be found in her vegetable and flower garden or tending to her exotic chickens. She loved music and enjoyed going to dances. She had a keen interest in health and studied organic and holistic health books. Working word puzzles, fishing, and attending auctions were some of her other pastimes.

Geneva is survived by her eight children: Kim (Dan) Troendle of Lansing, Karla (Gary) Drees of Manchester, Krista (Lane) Slover of Fruitland, ID, Kyna (Bernard Burke) Johnson of Lynxville, WI, Kyle (Jody) Johnson, Kent Johnson, and Kenan (Dawn Domingues) Johnson, all of Lansing, and Karmel (Greg) Bryan of Austin, NV; 14 grandchildren: Ryan & Patrick Troendle, Tyler & Christopher Drees, Tanner, Travis & Walker (Kayleigh) Slover, Jocelyn, Quincy & Alexis Johnson, Nate Johnson, Matthew Larson, Paige Johnson, Alex Domingues, and Sierra Johnson; 3 step-grandchildren: Greg Jr., Nolan, and Garrett Bryan; and 2 great-grandchildren: Nolan & Myah. Also surviving are her sisters: her twin, Jeanette Rohde of Caledonia, MN and Betty (Curt) Gramlich of Lansing; a sister-in-law Marietta Johnson of Chandler, AZ; her life-long dear friend Jean Steiber and family; many nieces and nephews; and Charlotte Protsman and many more friends and neighbors throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob; grandson Matthew Johnson; her parents Leo and Lydia; brothers Ray, Les, Leland, and Lavern Fink; and sisters Dorothy Foster and Ethel Fritz.

Our very special thanks to her nieces, nephews, and friends for all the visits and calls these past few years, you always put a smile on her face. Thank you also to the entire staff at the Good Samaritan Center in Waukon for treating our Mom with the kindness and dignity she was so deserving of.