Everett Johnson, 82, formerly of Sheldon

BOONE—Everett Dale Johnson, 82, of Boone, Iowa, formerly of Sheldon, passed away due to complications of COVID-19 on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, at Mercy Hospital.

He was born on July 21, 1938, in rural Moorhead, Iowa, the son of Edwin and Lucille Johnson. Ev was raised on their family farm with his two brothers and sister. His love for music began at a young age, sitting on his mother’s lap, her arms around him as she played piano and all five of them singing songs from the church hymnal. He went on to participate in high school and collegiate band and chorus, teaching and eventually led him to be the Executive Secretary of the Iowa High School Music Association.

Everett graduated from Dana College in 1960, where he met his wife, June. He began his vocal music teaching and coaching career in Exira, IA, followed by Sheldon, IA. It was in Sheldon where Everett and June started their family of four sons. In 1978, Everett and family moved to Boone where he began his new role leading the Iowa High School Music Association (IHSMA). In 2003, he was selected to the National Federation of State High School Association’s Hall of Fame. He was the first musician/music administrator ever selected to the Hall of Fame. He always considered this his greatest professional achievement.

Upon his retirement, he enjoyed golfing with his friends and family, yearly fishing trips with his sons and grandson, and keeping up with his grandchildren’s activities. He could always be found in the bleachers at any Boone High or DMACC ballgame with popcorn, Diet Coke and Peanut M&M’s within arm’s reach. Everett was at his happiest when his entire family was together under one roof.

Everett was a devoted member of Augustana Lutheran Church, where he also directed the choir for 22 years. He was a featured soloist at many events. Everett often shared one of his proudest moments was conducting the All-State Chorus and Orchestra in his retirement year. A highlight of Everett’s life was running into former students and music acquaintances everywhere he went.

Everett was preceded in death by parents, Edwin and Lucille; his brother, George; and his son, Michael.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, June; his sons Tim (Lynn) of Boone, IA, Stewart (Kelly) of Minneapolis, MN, and Brandon (Shelly) of Ankeny, IA; and his grandchildren Lance, Taylor, Jens, Gus, Mary, and Wyatt.

He is also survived by his brother, Ed (Karin), sister Nadine and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial service was held at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone.

Burial was at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public at Blair, Nebraska. ~~~

FindaGrave #

220039079