Memorial
JACQUELINE “JACKIE” JEAN RODEEN JOHNSON
Jackie R. Johnson entered eternal rest on August 3, 2026 at Methwick Community - Woodlands in Cedar Rapids, IA surrounded by her loving family and friends. Visitation, from 9 am - 10:30 am, and Celebration of Life Service, beginning @ 10:30 am with luncheon following, will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 1000 3rd Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Interment will be 2:00 pm at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, 4200 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
Jackie was born June 24, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Leonard and Mildred (Hendrickson) Rodeen. She attended East High School in Sioux City, graduating in 1958. While in high school, Jackie was very active in chorus, cheerleading, band, and was drum majorette. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Jackie married G. Richard (Dick) Johnson on September 1, 1962, also in Sioux City. Dick and Jackie moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where Dick began his lengthy career with Collins Radio in 1961 and Jackie began her career in interior design at Smulekoff’s and Kenwood House in 1962. Later in her career she became a consultant, further utilizing her extensive decorating and organizational skills. Those talents shined while serving as a social consultant for 12 years at the Cedar Rapids Country Club. In 1975 Dick and Jackie transferred to the Rockwell Collins facility in Newport Beach, California, and later to Anaheim, CA. In 1979 they transferred for Rockwell to Dallas, Texas, yet returned to Cedar Rapids in 1981 as Dick continued his growth within the company, becoming vice president of human resources.
Jackie strongly believed in improving one’s community through volunteerism, and she began those efforts early in her adult life. With great enthusiasm she co-chaired the very first “Sight & Sound” event, benefitting the Cedar Rapids Symphony and The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art; she was a past president and lifetime member of the International Chapter P. E. O. Sisterhood, Chapter IH; she joined Junior League in 1972 as chair or co-chair of many committees, becoming a lifetime sustaining member. While in California, Jackie chaired the Celebrity Auction at the Orange County Philharmonic Association. Returning to Cedar Rapids, she served on the boards of Children’s Theatre, Brucemore Volunteers, Metro YMCA, American Red Cross, St. Luke’s Care Foundation, Young Parents Network, and Franklin Jr. High and Kennedy High School PTA. Jackie was a lifetime member of St. Luke’s Auxiliary Board and University of Iowa Presidents Alumni Association. In 1987 Jackie received the 5th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Award from then-Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, for exemplary leadership in volunteerism.
Jackie passionately observed her faith and commitment to family and community as an active member of First Lutheran Church over many decades. Her personal joys included membership to the Cedar Rapids Country Club, golf, travel, playing bridge, being an avid Hawkeye fan, and decorating her home as well as for others. Jackie gave the same level of compassion and robust enthusiasm to whatever life presented, whether volunteering, or teaching art to her grandchildren, spending time with her loving family and friends, or coping with her numerous health issues. Jackie loved writing encouraging cards, always finding a way to brighten someone’s day. She frequently enjoyed dinners with special friends and always wanted to be with people. She is one of those dear people who will live on in our hearts, and be forever cherished for her immense contributions to the happiness of others.
Left to cherish Jackie’s memory are her husband G. Richard (Dick) Johnson (Jackie passed 29 days short of their 64th wedding anniversary); her son, Justin (Tamra L.) Johnson; her grandchildren, Hannah E. Johnson and Wesley R. (Sydney) Johnson; her brother’s in-law Randy M. (Judi) Johnson and L. Bud Culbert; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Waiting for Jackie in Heaven are her infant son, Joel Eric Johnson; her daughter, Jade (Johnson) Bruyere; her parents, Leonard and Mildred Rodeen; her brother Robert Rodeen; her sister, Marlene Nelson; her brother-in-law, William Nelson; her sister-in-law, Pamela (Johnson) Culbert; and her in-laws, Gustave and Frieda Johnson.
The family greatly appreciates the medical staff and care provided by St. Luke’s Hospital and Mayo Clinic while attending to Jackie’s health challenges.
Special thanks to the Methwick-Woodlands care team. They are so compassionate, loving and awesome in every way!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jacqueline R. Johnson’s name to the following: First Lutheran Church, 1000 Third Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; St. Luke’s Health Care Foundation, 1026 A Avenue N.E. Cedar Rapids, IA 52402; Methwick Community, Woodlands-Nesetril, 1224 13th St. NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.