February 4, 1964 – June 11, 2025
Judy Kay Johnson, age 61, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on June 11, 2025.
Judy was born in Cresco to Lyle and Lois (Albertson) Brown. Judy was proud to call Cresco home — even as life’s journey took her far and wide. She graduated from Crestwood Senior High School in 1982, attended Hamilton College, and later earned her medical transcription degree from Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC).
On November 6, 1982, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael Johnson. Together they had five children: Benjamin, Caleb, Nathan, Rebekah and Elijah. Being a mom meant everything to Judy. She loved her kids with a fierce, steady, kind of love. The kind of love you felt in her cooking, her check-in calls and her honest advice (whether you wanted it or not). That advice often came with a bit of sarcasm or a comment that made you shake your head and laugh — but it was always rooted in love. Though her son Elijah preceded her in death, Judy’s deep love for all of her children was constant and unwavering.
During Michael’s service in the United States Air Force, they lived in Iowa, Wyoming, Michigan and even Germany. After his service (and with only two children still at home) they moved to Florida for a short while before returning to where her heart truly belonged; the family farm in Cresco.
Judy worked many jobs throughout her life. She spent several years as a medical transcriptionist before deciding to try something new. She worked in the cafeteria at Crestwood High School. She also enjoyed working at the nursing homes in the Cresco area. She brought not just warmth, care and compassion; but her usual dose of humor (the kind to remind you not to take life too seriously). Judy retired in 2023, after a lifetime of hard work, laughter and service to others.
In her retirement, Judy embraced the simple joys she loved most: spending extra time camping, playing with and caring for her grandkids, and trying out new recipes. She was her own toughest critic in the kitchen. Even when she wasn’t sure about a dish, her family was always happy to dive right in.
She was a very proud and adoring grandmother to: Abriana, Landen, Ava, Amara, Brayton and Brooks; and recently welcomed her first great-grandchild Layne — a true joy in her life. Each one held a very special place in her heart. Some of their best memories with Grandma were made at the farm. Where she made everyday moments feel special; from spending hours playing pretend, reading books, making crafts, feeding the birds and even cutting wood. No matter what it was, she made it all feel special just by being there. She spoiled them in the best ways; with treats, holiday baskets and advice they’ll carry with them forever.
She had a personality that was both fiery and full of heart. Judy was witty, stubborn in the best way, and endlessly thoughtful. She loved spending time with her family, checking in on those she cared about, and showing love through home-cooked meals. Her meatloaf and deviled eggs were legendary, and no family gathering felt complete without them.
She found joy in the small moments: reading a good book, doing crossword puzzles, needle knitting, listening to music, and singing along to her favorite 80’s rock and 90’s country. She didn’t enjoy the cold, but she loved how pretty the snow was, especially when it blanketed the farm. She absolutely loved Christmas. Each year, she looked forward to opening day at Curtis Tree Farm to pick out the perfect new snowman or Santa to add to her ever-growing holiday collection.
Anyone who knew Judy knew her pets were just as much a part of her family as anyone else. They were her constant companions; always nearby, curled up next to her or following her from room to room. They were her little shadows, and she adored them.
Survivors include her loving husband Michael; children: Benjamin Johnson of Cresco, IA, Caleb (Tesha) Johnson of Volga, IA, Nathan (Renee Fisher) Johnson of Elma, IA and Rebekah (Thomas) Gibbs of Ossian, IA; grandchildren: Abriana (Brayden Phillips) Bigler, Landen Bigler, Ava Johnson, Amara Johnson, Brayton Johnson and Brooks Gibbs; great-grandchild Layne Phillips, brothers Craig (Cheryl) Powers and Don Powers, and several nieces, nephews and extended family who loved her deeply.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lyle and Lois Brown and an infant son Elijah.
She was a wife, a mom, a sister, a grandma, a friend — and to us, she was everything. There’s no way to sum up the kind of love she gave, or the space she filled in our lives. She was the heart of our family — always there, always caring, always her. We’ll carry her with us in every memory, every story, and every meal made.
As she always said — “Love ya, mean it!” And we always will.
A private family memorial service will be held.
Graveside services at Oak Lawn Cemetery will be held at a later date for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family.