Thomas Russell Johnson was born March 14, 1949, and welcomed to the family of Russell and Marjorie (Almquist) Johnson. He passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 74 years, 6 months and 18 days, at Arlington Place in Red Oak, where he had resided for the past two months.

Tom "TJ" grew up on a farm northeast of Essex and graduated from Essex High School with the class of 1967. He attended Iowa State University where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, graduating in 1971. Always looking for a new adventure, Tom spent a summer backpacking through Europe, worked at a pineapple plant in Hawaii, built a bar in Ames, lived at the top of a mountain, and was a member of the Keystone Colorado Ski Patrol. In April of 1976, he married Leslie (Lisa) Scott in Keystone, Colorado. Following marriage, they returned to Iowa, and Tom took over the family hog farm operation in 1977.

For over 40 years Tom farmed for a living, for the rest of his life he farmed for a hobby. He always said his hope was that his pigs would only ever have "one bad day." Tom had a special interest in mentoring 4-Hers who wanted to show pigs at their county fairs. Through the years he was an active member of the Page County Pork Producers, and was named Iowa Master Pork Producer in 1996, an honor his father had also received. He served on the Essex School Board, Page County Extension Council and eleven years on the Page County Conservation Board. He was extremely competitive whether in a Cribbage game or playing Pitch. He was an avid skier, golfer, bowler and card player. He passionately supported the Iowa State Cyclones and the Green Bay Packers, even in the bad years! But his greatest enjoyment came from the time he spent with his family, especially his dear grandchildren, and the annual trips he took with "The Dudes."

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Kay Elaine Johnson, infant brother Charles Robert Johnson, and an infant daughter.

He is survived by his wife Lisa, son Jake (Randi) Johnson, daughter Keila (Noé) Hernandez, and son Michael (Jillayne) Johnson, all of Essex. Also, his grandchildren: Everly and Evan Johnson; Magdalena, Santiago and Eden Hernandez; Lydia, Judah and Gideon Johnson; and sister Denise (Doug) Dugenske of DePere, WI; other relatives and many friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church in Red Oak, Iowa.

Visitation and fellowship with the family will immediately follow the service in the Family Life Center at Faith Community Church.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the family for future designation.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of TJ's arrangements and serving his family.