John Virgil Johnson, the son of Herbert and Gertrude Swanson Johnson was born July 29, 1921 on a farm northeast of Bethesda in Page County, Iowa. He passed away Friday, November 12, 2010 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 3 months and 14 days. Virgil lived on the farm where he was born until the age of 10. In March of 1931, the family moved to a farm in the Nyman area, and on this farm he lived the remainder of his life. Virgil graduated from Essex High School in 1938. In 1941, Virgil joined the U.S. Army, serving in General Patton's army during WW II. He received a field commission as a Second Lieutenant. Virgil was honorably discharged in July of l946 and began farming in l947. Virgil was united in marriage to Maxine Larson on December 9, l953 in Red Oak, IA. To this union a son, Kirk was born. Virgil was a member of the Fremont Lutheran Church in Nyman and the Shenandoah American Legion. He loved and treasured his family, grandchildren and farming. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Claire. Virgil is survived by his wife, Maxine Johnson of rural Essex, IA; son, Kirk Johnson and wife Annette of Red Oak, IA; three grandchildren: Darin Johnson and wife Alicia of Essex, IA; Adam Johnson and wife Kelcy of Omaha, NE; and Meredith Johnson and her fiancé Brian Hamman of Red Oak, IA; two great-grandchildren: Ella and Natalie Johnson of Essex, IA; brother, Marvin Johnson and wife Jean of Red Oak, IA; nieces, nephews, other family members and a host of friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fremont Lutheran Church, Nyman Burial in Mt Hope Cemetery, Nyman Rev. Jerry Lamb, Officiating Visitation with the family present Monday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak Memorials may be directed to Fremont Lutheran Church or Essex Fire & Rescue. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.