Obituaries : Rita L. Johnson

Rita L. Johnson, formerly of North Liberty, passed away peacefully at Meth-Wick Woodlands in Cedar Rapids after an eight year battle with Alzheimers disease.  Visitation will be held at Teahen Funeral Home 3100 F Ave NW, Cedar Rapids from 4-7pm on Tuesday December 30 with Rosary at 3:30pm with a vigil to follow at 4pm.  Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday December 31 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 857 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA at 10am, burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery Sisley Grove Rd.

Rita was born at home in rural Newhall on April 29, 1942 to Leo and Carolyn (Davis) Boddicker.  After high school she attended Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, graduating Sigma Cum Laude.  She taught second grade for four years at Crawfordsville, IA, Port Byron, IL, Brighton, IA and Batavia, IA.  After teaching, Rita attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, graduating with a degree in Medical Transcription.  In 1969, she began a 35 year career at the University of Iowa, first as a medical secretary in Radiology 1969-1984, then in the Center for Disabilities and Development 1984-2004.

Left to honor her memory is her devoted husband Ron Johnson, sisters Diantha (Nolan) Zadra, Rosalie (Bob) Jahn, sister-in-law Pat Russell, brothers-in-law Dick Jacobi, Butch Scheib and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Vincent, sisters Janice Duncalf, LaVonne Boddicker, Marilyn Scheib Freytag, Lola Jacobs and Charlotte Boddicker, in-laws Harold Duncalf, Clarence and Gladys Johnson, spouse of Pat Russell, Jim Russell, niece Angela Scheib and nephews Adam Boddicker and Aaron Jahn.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Father Aaron Junge and Father Dennis Miller for their great spiritual support to both Rita and Ron, to all the Meth-Wick staff, with special recognition to both the Woodlands care team, and to Essence of Life Hospice for their exceptional care of Rita and support of Ron these past years.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rita’s name may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Renovation Project c/o Father Aaron Junge or to The Meth-Wick Endowment Fund.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.