Richard Johnston

Richard Johnston was born on the farm at Kiron, Iowa, November 28, 1933, the son of Martin and Cora Larson Johnston. At age three his family moved to the Johnston family home place northwest of Kiron. He received his education at Kiron, graduating from high school with the class of 1953. On February 28, 1959, Richard was united in marriage with Mavis Wangler at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Sac County. Their union was blessed with two sons, Mark and Matt. They made their home on the Johnston home place where Richard farmed until retiring in 1986. They remained on the farm following his retirement and had just recently moved into their new home. Richard was especially proud of living on his Century Farm purchased by his grandfather, Nels Johnston, from the railroad for four dollars an acre. He loved his family and loved to visit and tell interesting stories about his cousins and Kiron History. He loved antique barns and houses, attending auctions and was an avid collector of antiques. He enjoyed his membership in the Collectors Club in Denison and socializing with club members and was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron. Richard died Monday, September 5, 2011, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 77 years, 9 months and 7 days. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Cora Johnston and his brother, Judson Johnston. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Mavis Johnston of Kiron, Iowa, two sons, Mark and Matt Johnston both of Kiron, Iowa, special sister-in-law, Delores Wangler of Kiron, Iowa, sister-in-law, LaDonna Johnston of Ankeny, Iowa, aunt-in-law, Emeline Gustafson of Kiron, Iowa, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 8, 2011, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron, Iowa, with the Rev. Trish Underberg officiating. Music for the service was provided by soloist, Joey Hoefling singing “The Lord’s Prayer” and the congregation singing, “In the Sweet By and By”, “Shall We Gather At the River” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” with Margaret Ann Buller serving as accompanist. Honorary pallbearers included Wayne Baker, Kyle Ullrich, Dudley Ullrich, Jim Frahm, Jim Larson and Douglas Swanson. Pallbearers were Rodger Larson, John Larson, Gary Carlson, Roger Larson, Mervin Buller and Scott Pick. Interment was at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery, Kiron, Iowa. Following the burial all were invited to return to the church and join the family for fellowship and a meal provided and served by Hy-Vee and Bethel Lutheran Church members. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.