Joy L. Johnson

Joy Lee Johnson, 90, of Mount Pleasant, passed away at Park Place Elder Living on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and went to be with the Lord. Born in 1936, in Des Moines, Joy was the daughter of Lawrence and Eleanor (Standing) Hutzell. She graduated from Algona High School in 1954 and attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon for two years; she completed her BA in 1958, at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, with a major in Sociology and a minor in Religion.

Joy and her husband, C. Leroy Johnson were united in marriage June 24, 1956, sharing 51 wonderful years together until Leroy’s death in 2007. They had three children: Merilee, Tim, & Gayle. Since 1968, they made their home in Mount Pleasant. Together the couple enjoyed church activities, music, traveling, bird-watching, and Henry County Nature Club.

Over the years, Joy worked as homemaker, teacher at Humpty Dumpty Preschool for six years, teacher’s aide at the Mental Health Institute for one year, and secretary at Iowa Wesleyan’s “Responsible Social Involvement” office for 11 years, retiring in 1987. After her retirement, Joy served as vice-president of Hutzell’s, Inc., her parents’ office supply store in Algona, for several years.

When their children were young, Joy volunteered with band, Scouts, 4-H, and various other activities. She was in League of Women Voters, where she was a board member for many years. During her retirement, she volunteered at Pleasant Manor Care Center, visiting residents weekly for 25 years.

Joy had a deep, personal faith in Christ throughout her life. During Leroy’s years in the ministry, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. The two always supported missions to end world hunger. A 50-year member of First Presbyterian Church, Joy was ordained as both elder and deacon; she was active in the church’s Session, Christian Education, committee work, Ruth Circle, Presbyterian Women, Mariners, and English as a Second Language classes.

Joy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as a devoted daughter. Of all her involvements, her greatest pleasure was simply spending time with her family, and watching her granddaughter, Leah learn and grow.

Joy is survived by daughter Merilee Johnson of Woodside, NY; son Tim (Diane) Johnson of Council Bluffs; daughter Gayle (Jeff) Sheetz of Coralville; granddaughter Leah Johnson of Council Bluffs; brother Larry (Karen) Hutzell of West Des Moines; brother-in-law Lyle Coon of Lohrville; several nieces & nephews; and many cousins.

Along with her beloved husband, Leroy, Joy was preceded in death by her dear parents; parents-in-law Roy & Helen Johnson; step-mother-in-law Leone Johnson; brother-in-law Paul Johnson; sisters-in-law Marilyn Coon & Beverly Johnson; a cherished aunt, Miriam Standing; and many other special aunts, uncles, & cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, Mount Pleasant, with Rev. Trey Hegar officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Following the committal, a dessert reception will be held at the church. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until the time of service on Sunday. The Olson-Yoder Funeral Home is caring for Joy and her family. www.olsonyoderfh.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:

--S.E. Iowa Regional Hospice: 1306 S Washington Rd, West Burlington, Iowa 52655

--First Presbyterian Church: 902 S Walnut St, Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641