Gerald Lee Johnson

Gerald Lee “Jerry” Johnson, 84, of Topeka, passed away June 8, 2015. Jerry was born November 18, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, to Chester J. and Marion L. Johnson. Jerry graduated from Bishop Hogan High School and attended Rockhurst College, Kansas City MO. He served in the US Army in post WWII Europe and was honorably discharged on December 24, 1952. He married Margaret A. “Peggy” Gabrini February 27, 1954, in Kansas City MO. After starting their family, they moved to Topeka KS. Jerry was a paper salesman for Birmingham and Prosser Paper Company out of Kansas City MO. During his career, Jerry received numerous awards as a salesman and was known in the business and to his clients as very service oriented and for making sacrifices to assist his customers. Jerry received the Birmingham and Prosser “Man of the Year” award on three occasions and had the greatest sales in company history in 1979. He later worked as a Job Coach for Topeka Association for Retarded Citizens (TARC) and was known for his patience, compassion and understanding in working with his TARC clients. Jerry’s devout faith played a large roll in his community involvement and service for others. His activities and contributions in the community included serving numerous years in the Civitan Club and the Topeka Craftsman Club. Jerry was very involved at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church and School where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and assisting in the Ministry to the Elderly and Homebound, the Most Pure Heart of Mary School Board, the Parent Teacher Organization, the Christian Formation Committee, the Knights of Columbus, and the Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish Council. Jerry was a Scout Leader in Cub Scouts Pack 46 and Boy Scouts Troup 46 and served as the Advancement Chairman in both Cub and Boy Scouts. He helped create and develop the Religious Education and Activities for the Community Handicapped Program (REACH), and was involved in various roles at Let’s Help. Jerry’s dedication to the Catholic Church, his zest for life, his love for others, and his service to the community were evident in everything that he did. This was especially true in his commitment as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, good conversation, passionately supporting his children and grandchildren’s activities. “And boy could Pop’s tell a good story.” Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Peggy Johnson (who passed away on February 2, 2015). Jerry is survived by his six children, Joe & Deb Johnson of Lawrence, Jim & Janice Johnson of Topeka, Jeanne & John Myers of Topeka, Jeff & Debbi Johnson of Overland Park, John Johnson of Kansas City KS, Jerome & Jennifer Johnson of Grandview MO; his 16 grandchildren (who knew him as “Pops”); his two sisters Mary Ann Boyer of Lee’s Summit MO and Joyce Obermeier of Louisburg KS; along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife; Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers John (Jack) and Ronald Johnson; and two infant sons, Peter and Patrick. Visitation for Jerry will be from 5:30 to 7:00pm with a Parish Rosary beginning at 7:00pm on Thursday, June 11, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am June 12, 2015 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th St, Topeka KS 66604. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure heart of Mary Parish, Hayden High School, or Midland Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home.

Gerald Lee Johnson

November 18, 1930 - June 8, 2015