Dennis Craig Johnson

Dennis Craig Johnson, 71, of Waterloo, went to be with the Lord while at Bickford Cottages in Cedar Falls on Saturday, December 15, 2018.

He was born May 11, 1947, in Waterloo, the son of Herbert Nelson and Marie Fox Johnson.

Dennis graduated from West Waterloo High School in 1965. He served 6 years with the Iowa Army National Guard Reserves. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Waterloo.

He began his career at the age of 12 in the family business, Dixie Cream Donut Shop, later known as Johnson’s Bakery. After graduation, he began working to change the business into a full-line bakery. He partnered with his father, Herb for many years. Dennis devoted much of his time to his love of baking and perfecting recipes. Dennis retired in 2013 as a Master Baker having won many awards through the Iowa Bakers Association.

Outside of the Bakery, Dennis’ favorite pastime was his interest in all things historical. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone who was interested. His other passion was traveling. These trips oftentimes included visiting life long friends and family. Some of the special places he was able to see were Egypt, Italy, Costa Rica, Formosa, Scotland, Germany, France, Turkey, China, Japan, Korea and Greece.

Dennis had quite a dry sense of humor that some might miss if they didn’t know him. He cared for the family business and made it even more successful throughout the years. He loved his family, friends, customers, and loved being called “Papa” by his grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Teesha (Ricki) Peters, Waterloo; son, Dennis C. II (Amy) Johnson, Minneapolis, MN; four grandchildren: Kat, Noah, Chase and Madi; his “like-a-son” nephew, Drew Collins, Evansdale; two sisters, Phyllis (Al) Harreld, Yucaipa, CA and Sharon (Mike) King, Elk Run Heights; an aunt, Joyce Rogers, Winchester, KY; three nephews, Marty (Diana) Collins, Tripoli, Michael (Julie) Harreld, Germantown, TN, John (Judith) Harreld, Guerneville, CA; two nieces, Kelly Sue (Danny) Davis, Belleville, MI and Christine Collins, Lake Orion, MI; and his treasured black lab, Zeke.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a beloved great niece, Elizabeth June Marie Collins.

“If you want to ride the white horse,

then you have to lead the posse.”