Charles “Chuck” Johnson

Charles “Chuck” Johnson, 85 of Sheffield, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A graveside service and burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, July 20, 2026 at the Clear Lake Cemetery. He will be laid to rest with full military honors. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Hampton is caring for Chuck and his family.

Chuck was born on August 6, 1940 in Belmond, Iowa, to the late John “Gene” Johnson Jr. and Leona Barbara (Wenzel) Johnson. He grew up on farms in the communities of Alexander and Thornton, graduating with the Alexander High School Class of 1958.

In the early 1960’s, Chuck was drafted into the United States Army for two years of service. His duty stations included Fort Leonard Wood and Fort Hood before serving in Korea for the majority of his remaining enlistment. Utilizing his sharp mechanical aptitude, Chuck served as both a motor pool specialist and a technician skilled in wiring the Honest John rocket system, establishing a lifelong pride in his service to his country.

Upon returning home, Chuck channeled his mechanical talents and love for people into a long and successful career as a local business owner. As the owner and operator of local filling stations and an auto repair shop, Chuck became a staple of the Clear Lake community, where he and his wife, Cindy, spent the majority of their adult lives. He was the guy who could fix anything, but more importantly, he was the guy who always had time for people. Chuck loved nothing more than going out for coffee, trading stories, and socializing with friends and neighbors.

His passion for mechanics didn’t end when the shop was sold. Chuck was an avid classic car enthusiast, renowned for his meticulous skill. One pride was the stunning restoration and customization of a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria, which earned him awards at car shows across the area. When he wasn’t under the hood of a car, Chuck found peace and pride outdoors. Nearing his retirement, he and Cindy moved to an acreage outside of Clear Lake, and later to Sheffield, where he fully indulged his love for landscaping and immaculate lawn maintenance.

Throughout his later years, Chuck lived with leukemia, thriving almost a decade with a resilience that served as inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Chuck’s deepest loves were his family and faith in his Lord and Savior. He and his beloved wife, Cindy, recently celebrated an incredible 66 years of marriage. He was a devoted husband as well as a proud father and grandfather.

His legacy of hard work, craftsmanship and community warmth lives on through his surviving family: his wife, Lucinda “Cindy” Jean (Saylor) Johnson of Sheffield; his children, Todd (Molly) Johnson of Orefield, PA and Scott (April) Johnson of New Providence, IA; his cherished grandchildren: Dr. Meredith Johnson, Lt. Serena Johnson, Georgia Johnson, Louisa Johnson, Ella Johnson and Sophia Johnson and his brother, Gareld {Lois) Johnson, as well as his sister-in-law, Jennifer Saylor. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, including those whose special care and support brought comfort during his final months, as well as many extended family members and dear friends including exchange student Per Christian (Tanja) Myklebost of Brerum, Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Gerald Blaine Saylor and Marjorie Lavonne (Whitney) Saylor; his siblings-in-law, Patricia and Dennis Mulford, James and Janice Saylor; and his beloved granddaughter, Vienna Christine Johnson.