Dorothy "Dodie" Mae Benn Johnson

Dorothy "Dodie" Mae Benn Johnson, age 102, of Rockwell, IA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home. Dorothy was born on July 25th, 1921, at home on her family's farm in Rockwell, IA to Fred and Margaret Cassman Benn. Her early education was in a one-room schoolhouse down the road, and she graduated from Swaledale High School. On February 21st, 1945, Dorothy was united in marriage to Richard John Johnson at the Chapel of Mercy Hospital shortly before his entry into the service. Once Richard returned from World War II, the pair began farming together and raising their two children Mary and James. Dorothy was a pioneer who had a lifelong passion for farming. She treasured spending time with family and her very large tribe of devoted friends. Dorothy was a talented quilter, cross stitcher, gardener and markswoman. She was also an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and clever card player. Dorothy knew how to keep life simple while having a whole lot of fun along the long ride. Her independence, determination, quick wit and mischievous smile will be forever remembered. We will miss Dorothy's adventurous spirit and zest for living a life well loved. The family is endlessly grateful for Dorothy’s team at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home and sincerely appreciates all their compassion and thoughtful care. Dorothy is survived by her son, James Richard Johnson of Mason City, IA; son-in-law, James Michael Netzel of Charlotte, NC; sister, Marjorie Eileen Benn Jerrell of Mason City, IA; granddaughter, Emily Benn Netzel Reidenouer (Jonathan) of Charlotte, NC; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard John Johnson; her daughter, Mary Margaret Johnson Netzel; and her siblings Beverly Jean Benn Nimmo, Otto Forrest Benn, Henry Laverne Benn and Merlin Leroy Benn. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, at Fullerton Funeral Home in Mason City, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday July 10th, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockwell, IA. Father Josh Link will be officiating. Dorothy will then be laid to rest at Mount Vernon Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts honoring Dorothy go to the Rockwell Community Nursing Home or MercyOne North Iowa Hospice. Fullerton Funeral Home is caring for Dodie and her family.

Dorothy "Dodie" Mae Benn Johnson

July 25, 1921 - June 26, 2024

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