Lester C. Johnson

Lester Corwin Johnson passed away on May 30, 2022 in Greene, Iowa.  He was born on November 17, 1930, in Albert City, Iowa.   Les attended school in Albert City, graduating in 1948.  Following graduation, Les enrolled at the University of Iowa, attending classes at Iowa until entering the U.S. Air Force in January 1951, serving during the Korean War.  Les was honorably discharged in January 1955.  He then re-enrolled again at the University of Iowa and graduated with a BSC degree from the College of Commerce in January 1956.

During his time at the University of Iowa, Les met Margaret Ann Bathke and they were married in Iowa City on October 27, 1956.  Following their marriage, the couple moved to Los Angeles, California, where Les was employed by Douglas Aircraft.   While in California, their two children, Leslie and Rob were born.

In September 1960, the family came back to Iowa, moving to Iowa City where Les enrolled in the College of Law, graduating in June 1963.   Following graduation, Les and his family moved to Newton, Iowa, where he practiced law for seven years.

In 1970, an opportunity to buy into a law practice arose in Clarion.  Les joined Leslie Archerd, with their offices located next to the New Home Café in the Clarion Hotel building.  In 1972, Bob Brinton joined Mr. Archerd and Les.   In the early 1970s, the firm purchased the building at 120 Central Avenue West, renovating what was originally a gas station into its current law offices.  After Mr. Archerd’s death, the firm became known as Johnson and Brinton, which eventually became Brinton Bordwell & Johnson.   While in Clarion, Les served as City attorney for several years.   He was an active member of First Lutheran Church, the Clarion chapter of Rotary and the Clarmond Country Club.  Les continued in his practice in Clarion until the end of 1982, when he and Margaret returned to Southern California, first moving to Palm Springs and then to Lakeside, California, in the San Diego area, where Les practiced until he retired in November 1995.   In September 2000, Les and Margaret returned to Iowa, moving to Greene.

Les was an ardent supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, holding season tickets for several years, spending many memorable Saturdays in Iowa City with his family.  Les was an avid golfer, and enjoyed many rounds at Clarmond with Bill McConaughy, Lyle McConaughy, Frank Middleton, Geody Mechem, and many others too numerous to mention.   Les and Margaret also had a home on Lake Cornelia and enjoyed several summers there.  Over the years, Les established a collection of antique clocks.  He also became involved in model railroads and built an extensive model railroad in the basement of their home.

Les is survived by his wife, Margaret, his daughter, Leslie, son, Rob and his wife, Mary, and granddaughters, Sarah and Hannah.   Les was predeceased by his parents.

A service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church at 10:30 on June 25.