David Allen Johnson

David Allen Johnson

David Allen Johnson
January 1, 1948 – July 19, 2022
Albia, Iowa | Age 74

David Allen Johnson, age 74, of Albia, IA, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at the Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Dave was born in 1948 in Albia to Howard E. and Martha Jane Johnson.

Dave graduated from Albia High School in 1966, Centerville Junior College in 1968 and William Penn College in 1970.

In 1970, Dave was married to Sandi Bernard.

Dave was a long time local businessman having worked in retail stores during high school and college and later managing two retail stores after college. He and his wife Sandi opened Johnson and Johnson in 1978 and he assisted her in the operation of the store for many years. Dave also spent several years working for the former Monroe Plastics Company in Albia where he was a production manager. He was also an estimator for Reed Construction in Albia for eight years. In 1986, Dave was elected President of Albia Industrial Development Corporation serving as it’s first full time economic developer. Over the years he worked on a wide range of projects including assisting with the development of the Iowa Bioprocessing Center near Eddyville.

Dave was always active in community affairs. He was the youngest person ever elected to the Albia City Council serving on it from 1970-1973. He also served on the Albia Planning and Zoning Board for several years and for 26 years served on the Albia Municipal Waterworks Board, the last 20 years as Chairman.

Dave also served on the Albia Historic Preservation Board, the Monroe County Historical Society Board, was President of the Albia Area Improvement Association, belonged to the Albia Area Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years serving on the board several times, belonged to the Albia Jaycees for many years, served on the Board of Indian Hills Regional Development, was a founder of the Monroe County, Iowa Community Foundation serving as it’s Treasurer for many years and was a Trustee of the Bates Foundation.

Dave was named Outstanding Civic Leader by the Albia Area Chamber of Commerce in 1987 and in 1995. He received the President’s Special Award in 1993. He was named to the Albia High School Wall of Fame in 1998 and was inducted into the Albia Area Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 1999.

Dave enjoyed having breakfast with the “boys”, a weekday ritual for over 20 years. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing with his friends. He enjoyed living in the country and working on the “farm” where he was happiest working in the timber. Although he gave it his best he never won the battle with multi flora rose. He also enjoyed watching the birds and animals that came to the feeders, claiming they always ate better than he did. His second best friend was his dog, Gideon.

Dave is survived by his wife and best friend, Sandi; his sister, Jane (& Ernie) Brees of Polk City; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Following organ donation, Dave’s body has been cremated. No formal visitation is planned.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S. and Deacon Edwin Kamerick officiating.

In lieu of flowers or memorials please donate some time to your local favorite charity or organization.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of David Allen Johnson please visit the Tharp Funeral Home Sympathy Store.