Dennis “Chester” Earl Johnson was born on April 2, 1947, in Exira, Iowa, the son of Earl and Bertha Johnson. He passed away at his farm near Fontanelle, Iowa, on January 29, 2026.
Dennis was raised in Exira until 1960, when his family moved to rural Fontanelle. He was confirmed at Fontanelle Lutheran Church. During junior high, Dennis broke his leg, and it was during that time he earned the nickname “Chester,” after a character from Gunsmoke. From then on, he was known to many simply as Chester.
He graduated from Bridgewater-Fontanelle High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Navy that same year, serving honorably until 1969. Following his discharge, Dennis returned home to take over the family farm, where his strong work ethic and pride in the land were evident throughout his life.
On April 27, 1973, Dennis was united in marriage to Wanda Marckmann. Together they shared over 52 years of marriage and raised three children: Jennifer, Joshua, and Jeffrey, whom he loved dearly and was incredibly proud of.
Dennis had a deep love for the outdoors, especially hunting, with coyote hunting holding a special place in his heart—an interest he shared with his sons. He also enjoyed basketball, golfing, shooting pool, flying kites, and was always up for a good time. He loved road trips and “patrolling” the neighborhood. Dennis and Wanda enjoyed traveling whenever they could get away. Dennis was a practical joker, always finding new ways to entertain his family and friends; his laugh after getting someone was unforgettable. He was an active member of the American Legion Carlson Post #247, where he was honored to continue to serve his community.
Dennis took great pride in his farm. Together, he and Wanda built a beautiful home and maintained an impressive garden that always reflected their hard work and care.
A loyal and honest man, Dennis was a devoted family man who was proud to be a Johnson. He found joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow into kind and wonderful people. While it was sometimes hard for Dennis to express his feelings with words, his love was unmistakable through his actions. He showed his care through acts of service—always willing to help, fix, work, or step in wherever he was needed. If something needed to be done, Dennis quietly worked until it was finished.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Wanda Johnson; daughter Jennifer (Heathcliffe) Riday; sons Joshua (Erica) Johnson and Jeffrey (Tiffany) Johnson; brothers Randy (Patty) Johnson and Craig (Stephanie) Johnson; sisters-in-law Linda (Gary) Thompson and Joan (Craig) Burnett; brother-in-law Robert Marckmann; and grandchildren Azael, Ephraim, Silas, Lorelai, Jane, and Cora Riday; and Mason, Kalvin, Stella, Juniper, and Adira Johnson; along with many nieces and nephews.
Since their marriage, Dennis and Wanda formed lifelong friendships with Jake and the late Bonnie Jacobsen, and Dean and Linda Griffith—friendships filled with great meals, trips, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bertha Johnson; his in-laws, Leo Marckmann and Joanne Nottingham; his brother Dale Johnson and Dale’s wife Sandra; his sister Jana Teachout; and his nephew James Johnson.
Dennis will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and the steady love he showed through all he did.
Graveside Services: Will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter, Iowa. Full military honors will be conducted by the Fontanelle American Legion Carlson Post No. 247 and Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357 and the Navy Funeral Honors.
Celebration of Life Services: Will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle, Iowa. Pastor Tim Hummel will officiate the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at to be www.lambfuneralhomes.com.
Open Visitation: Will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle.
Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle.
Memorials: May be directed to the family to be established at a later date.
