Kirby Gene Johnson passed away on December 24, 2023 at the age of 80 years and 95 days at the Riceville Family Care and Therapy Center in Riceville, Iowa.
He was the son of Iris Lavern Johnson and Gladys Geneva (Kingsley) Johnson. He was born in Cresco, Iowa on September 20, 1943. He was baptized on October 10, 1943, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lime Springs, Iowa, where he was later confirmed and a lifetime member. He attended country school before attending Riceville Community Schools where he graduated with the Class of 1961.
Kirby lived on the family farm all his life. He was interested in farming and raised sheep for many years. He loved talking to people and discussing the history of Saratoga. He was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Saratoga” and “The Lutefisk King”. Loving all things Norwegian, he would attend as many as twenty-six Lutefisk feeds a year.
He is survived by one brother Kingsley and his wife Cyndy; sister-in law Janet Johnson; three nieces: Kim Mills, Kelsey Richardson and Kirsten Johnson; three nephews: Gene Johnson, Ed Johnson and Jeremiah Johnson, as well as several great nieces and nephews.
Kirby is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Lance.
Service
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
11:00AM
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
215 Miller St.
Lime Springs, IA 52155