Dean Arthur Johnson died peacefully on March 22, 2024. He was born to Herbert and Eva

(Ecklund) Johnson on November 16, 1940, in Greeley, Colorado. Dean and his older brother,

Donald, were raised on a farm and active in the local 4-H club, often winning awards for

showmanship of their livestock. Dean graduated from Greeley High School and Colorado State

University where he was a member of ROTC, the Farmhouse Fraternity, and served as student body president.

Dean, an Air Force pilot from 1964 to 1985, flew cargo planes to many places in the world. He

loved exploring the places to which he flew. Dean said he cherished those opportunities. A

highlight was flying to China in 1972 in support of President Nixon's historic visit there. Dean also

served a year in Vietnam.

Dean was a flight instructor and aide to the General at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma when he

met LaVonne (teacher in Lakewood). Ironically, they met on an airplane, which was not

coincidental. They were married October 6, 1973. A memorable tour for them was at Hickam

AFB in Hawaii where both children were born. Dean was stationed at McChord AFB when he

retired in 1985. He had received numerous recognitions for his military service. After retiring

from the Air Force, he worked 16 years in the Development Department at Pacific Lutheran

University and then 13 years as support staff at Thrivent Financial in Olympia.

Dean, a detail-oriented person, kept the yard and flower beds at 5112 80th Ave W in immaculate

condition. He sang in the church choir at Prince of Peace, was financial secretary for several

years, supported the food closet and frequently prepared meals for Nativity House. Dean and

LaVonne liked going to concerts and plays and enjoyed several years of travel after retiring.

They loved living in Washington and had recently moved from their home of 42 years in

University Place to the Eliseo retirement community in Tacoma.

Dean is survived by his wife, LaVonne (Meier), son Nathan (Kim); daughter Sydney; and

grandchildren Cordelia and Henry. They are grateful to have shared life with him; a kind,

supportive and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Memorials in Dean's name can be made to the Food Closet at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,

l 0333 Bridgeport Way, Lakewood, 98499; to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center at

https://www.fredhutch.org ; or to a charity of your choice.