Russell D. Johnson
July 21, 1947 — December 17, 2025
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Service Details
Russell Dennis Johnson, 78, of Altoona, Iowa, passed away on December 17, 2025, surrounded by family.
Russell was born July 21, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa to Walter Russell Johnson and Twyla Aileen (Foley) Johnson. A proud Southsider, he graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on September 26, 1966, serving as a motor vehicle operator and mechanic with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He was honorably discharged on September 25, 1970.
On March 23, 1968, Russell married Charlene, and together they shared 57 years of marriage. They raised three children, Teresa, Todd, and Tina, who were the pride of his life.
Russell retired from the United States Postal Service in 2002 after many years of service. In retirement, he remained dedicated to service through the ZaGaZig Shrine and King David Lodge, volunteering countless hours, including 99 trips transporting families to the Shriners Hospital and volunteering at the State Fair and Shrine Circus. He was also a faithful member of the VFW, American Legion, and Marine Corps League.
He especially cherished his role as grandfather to Luke. Known for his strong work ethic and friendly nature, Russell never met a stranger. He will be remembered for his service to his country, devotion to family, and generous heart.
Russell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlene Johnson; children, Teresa (Joe) Shogren, Todd Johnson, and Tina (Ryan) Fincel; grandson, Luke Felice; bonus grandchildren, Heather and Harley Fincel and Tanner and Tyler Shogren; sister, Denise (Tim) Gerdis; aunts, Betty Feldbrugge and Nellie Butler; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Twyla Johnson; and his sister, Diane Herselius.
Services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a luncheon.
Russell will be laid to rest with military honors at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be distributed at a later date to the Iowa Veterans Home and Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Todd Jacobus
12/20/2025
I am grateful to have known Russell Johnson both through the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and through Russ’s residence at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. Family was sure very important to Russ. He was a very proud Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He knew that I was a Shriner and encouraged me to get involved in the “Hospital Dads” unit - transporting children in need of care to Shriners Hospitals. I did not know until his family arrived on Wednesday that he had made 99 hospital visits (!) - - - amazing but not surprising. What a kind and generous man. The residents and staff of the Iowa Veterans Home are grateful to have had him on campus for the last two years. He surely made a difference in the lives of many and he will be missed. Life well lived. Rest in peace.
Bill Clark
12/20/2025
Sorry to hear of Russ’passing. I knew him for years through Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and the Masons. He was very dedicated to the Hospital Dads and transporting patients and their families to our Hospitals.