Duane George Johnson

Duane Johnson, age 91, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at his home. Duane was born September 18, 1933, to Woodrow and Genevieve (Hebel) Johnson. He graduated from Osage High School in 1951. In 1954, Duane joined the United States Army, proudly serving his country until 1956. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Fox on December 31, 1960, and together had five children. Duane worked several jobs in his younger years: farming, custom spraying, and working on the railroad. As the family grew, Duane focused on his love of farming and expanded the family farm. Duane raised a large cow/calf herd, producing several grand champion steers at the Mitchell County Fair. Duane was a member of the Mitchell County Fair board for 16 years, encouraging youth through 4-H. He was an avid wrestling fan, supporting Osage and ISU wrestling. He attended the NCAA Wrestling Tournament for 32 consecutive years. Duane was a believer in work hard and play hard and loved snowmobiling and boating. He enjoyed playing cards and was the partner of choice for anyone who wanted to play. After retiring from farming, he became a gardener and supplied many vegetables to his family and neighbors. He and Carolyn canned several quarts of tomato products every year. Duane was very supportive and proud of his children and grandchildren, he was a committed husband, father, and grandpa. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Johnson; five children, Melinda (David) Snyder, Melissa (Tom) Edgington, Bruce (Lisa) Johnson, Doug (Theresa) Johnson, and Jerry (Emily) Johnson; 18 grandchildren, Hannah (Ben) Roush, Caroline (Wade) Morris, Brennan (Rachel) Fischer, Larissa (Brian) Heimer, Bridgette (Mason) Brown, Samantha Edgington (Robert Brumm), Abigail (Dylan) Johnson, Shelby (Dan) Schaa, Brooke (Jayson) Olson, Tyler (Ashley) Johnson, Ryan (Emma) Johnson, Bailey Johnson, Drew Johnson, Jackson McNulty, Lucas McNulty, Colin McNulty, Olivia Johnson, and Sophia Johnson; 20 great-grandchildren, Rowan, Arthur, Lennox, Jack, Indie, Layla, Jason, Urijah, Alissa, Roselyn, Aiden, Fletcher, Barrett, Walter, Isabelle, Addylyn, Maxen, Bowen, Kennedy, and Henry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Genevieve Johnson, brother Jerry Johnson. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage, Iowa. The visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage and will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Osage, Iowa. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Mitchell County 4-H Foundation or Osage Education Foundation - Wrestling Capital Campaign. Champion Funeral Home of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schroederfuneralhomes.com.