A funeral service for Everett “Jeff” Johnson, age 94, of Lake Park, was held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Lake Park Methodist Church. Burial was at Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake.
Everett “Jeff” Junior Johnson, age 94, of Lake Park, Iowa, passed away August 3, 2025, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake. Jeff was born on February 18, 1931, in Estherville, Iowa, to Everett and Mary (Fank) Johnson. He grew up on a farm near Gruver and graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1950.
Jeff served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict for four years. On August 5, 1953, Jeff married the love of his life, Phyllis Whaley, in Montgomery, Iowa. His final year of service was spent in Hawaii, where he and Phyllis began their married life together.
He returned to Iowa where he lived in Spirit Lake for many years before settling in Lake Park in 1993. Jeff was a lifelong farmer. He milked cows and raised both cattle and hogs. In addition to his work on the farm, he was employed part-time with the FSA, where he measured ground and bins. He was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Lake Park and was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star and Abu Bekr Shriners. Jeff served as a Lakes Regional Hospice volunteer and was always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear.
Jeff and Phyllis were enthusiastic supporters of youth in both their church and school. Jeff especially loved visiting shut-ins, tending to his garden, playing cribbage, and baking cookies. He enjoyed making yarn doilies and, at age 93, found joy in playing the bells with the Wel-Life bell choir. Known for his warm personality, Jeff never met a stranger—he truly loved connecting with everyone he met.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Leilani (Mike) Reef, Judy (Ken) Gard, and Gary (Diane) Johnson; his grandchildren, Josh Reef, Andrew Reef, Abby (Phillip) Brecht, Sarah (John Ritchie) Gard, Jacob Johnson, and Lewis Johnson; great-grandchildren, Leroy Johnson, Everett Johnson, Kody Reef, and Silas Brecht. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Johnson; sister, Ruby Bradshaw; sisters-in-law, Dora Froendt and Colleen Whaley; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis; infant daughter, Jeri Ann Johnson; great-granddaughter, Zoe Reef; and his parents.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
