Carl Fredrik “Fred” Johnson, 85, of Waterloo, died peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Claire and children Eric and Sarah on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He was born on July 13, 1940, in Berlin, New Hampshire. He was the son of Dr. W. Edgar Johnson and Florence Fredriksen Johnson.

After graduating from Vermont Academy, Fred attended the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and earned a B.S. in Management from the Whittemore School of Business. At UNH Fred played hockey, lacrosse, and football and he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. He served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves for six years and was honorably discharged. Fred and Claire D. MacIntosh’s love story began as college sweethearts and continued when they married on December 29, 1962, in Portsmouth, NH.

In 1964 Fred accepted a position in a management training program at John Deere. He left John Deere for two years when he moved the family to Providence, Rhode Island, and took a position as Purchasing Manager for Grinnell Corporation. When John Deere asked Fred to return as the Manager of Purchasing for the new John Deere Engine Works he and the family were excited to return to the town they loved. Fred finished his career at the B. Schultz Co. in Waterloo and later became the owner of the company.

Fred was a member of the Waterloo Elks Club and Becker Chapman American Legion Post 138. He coached and supported Waterloo Youth Hockey and he spoke at team dinners to the young men who played for the Waterloo Blackhawks.

Those who knew Fred considered him a true and kind gentleman. He offered a gentle strength and character to help anyone in need; always encouraging, always loyal, and always committed to their well-being. Fred had a gift for making people he met feel valued. He had a keen sense of humor and loved telling stories.

Fred’s unconditional love nourished and sustained his family. As he embraced his family, he often said, “What more could a man ask for?” He leaves behind five grandchildren who loved their hero, “Pup”. Pup was full of pride and love for his grandchildren.

Fred taught his family how to ski and play golf. There were many fun trips skiing and playing golf with family and friends. Fred and his wife Clarie spent 23 years wintering on Hilton Head Island.

Fred is survived by his wife of 63 years, Claire Doris Johnson, of Waterloo; children Eric William (Mary Beth) Johnson of Osterville, MA, and Sarah Jenny (Frank) Ingham of Greenwood Village, CO; grandchildren Ian William Johnson, Nathaniel Edward Johnson, Davis Fredrik Johnson, Elizabeth Jenny Anne Johnson and Claire Hepburn Ingham; brother Eric (Donna) Johnson of Rye, NH; and sister Linnea (John) Mangan of Plaistow, NH. He was preceded in death by his sister Anna Kristine Johnson.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 2 – 4 pm at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. Memorial service will be Monday, July 13, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Nazareth Lutheran Church, 7401 University Ave., Cedar Falls, IA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to Friends of the Waterloo Public Library or The First Tee Central Iowa Chapter. Online contributions may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.