Northwood, IA – Dale Johnson, 91, of Northwood passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Lutheran Retirement Home, doing what he loved—watching basketball. In a fitting tribute to his lifelong passion for sports, he left this world the same way his identical twin, Dean, had before him.
Memorial Services will be held 11am Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, 87332 State Line Rd, Glenville, MN, with Rev. Becky Sogge officiating. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Rest Cemetery, Northwood, IA.
Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00pm Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, IA and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials should be directed to Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church.
Dale Franklin Johnson was born December 4, 1933 in Carroll, IA , the son of Frank T. and Hilda T. (Huus) Johnson. Dale and his brother, Dean, grew up in Lake View, IA where they were paperboys and lifeguards for many years. The twins attended and graduated from Lake View High School. Soon after, in 1953, Dale began his service in the United States Army, serving alongside Dean as a telegraphy specialist between the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following his honorable discharge, in 1955, Dale returned home and began his education at the University of Iowa, where he would meet his future wife, Ann Marie Sandberg. He graduated from the University in 1959. On August 31, 1958 the couple was married at First Lutheran Church in Northwood, and blessed with two daughters, Pieper and Tanna, who would continue on the tradition of being Hawkeyes. In 1967, the family moved to Northwood, working beside Ann’s father on the family farm until taking over years later.
Dale’s passion for sports was unmatched—he was a lifelong Hawkeye fan, never missing a chance to cheer on his team. That love of the game extended beyond the TV screen, where sports were always playing in the background, and into the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as he proudly supported their activities. In his younger years, he played tennis, but golf became his game of choice. As the oldest member of the longest-standing foursome at the Northwood Country Club, he cherished both the competition and camaraderie. A true card shark, he enjoyed a good game of Bridge, UNO or Cribbage, always playing with wit and skill. Music was another constant in his life—his rich bass voice filled the church choir, often harmonizing alongside his daughters. He had an ear for gospel and barbershop harmonies and could skillfully play the ukulele, banjo, and trumpet. Though he never sought the spotlight, Dale’s kindness, intelligence, and unwavering faith left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A true gentleman, he could find the good in anyone and never had a mean word to say.
Left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Ann; children, Pieper (Dave) Brunsvold of Ashland, Wisconsin and Tanna (Dean) Moretz of Northwood, IA; grandchildren, Jackson (Kelsie) Brunsvold, Isaac (Makayla) Brunsvold, Nathan (Melissa) Moretz, Mitchell (Hannah) Moretz and Timen Moretz; great-grandson, Kole Moretz; great-granddaughters, Bria Moretz, Sophia, Charlotte and Nolan Brunsvold; brother-in-law, Dale Sandberg; nieces and nephews; Julie (Chuck) Dorn, Jeff (Amy) Johnson, Tricia (Bill) Petrow, Pete (Mary) Sandberg, Tobie Sandberg, Nancy (Bob) Anthony and Jeff (Terry) Swegler and many extended relatives.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Frank and Hilda; brother, Dean (Karen) Johnson; parents-in-law, Alfred and Inga Swensrud; brother-in-law, Dean (Bonnie) Sandberg, their son,Timmy; and sister-in-law, Liz Sandberg.
Conner Colonial Chapel. 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, IA. 641-324-1543. ColonialChapels.com
