Craig Johnson

Craig was born on April 17, 1955, in Spencer to Merle and Lura Mae Johnson. He grew up in Spencer and was an active and accomplished student-athlete. As a proud member of the Spencer Tigers, Craig competed in football, golf, and wrestling, becoming a multiple Lakes Conference wrestling champion. His competitive spirit and quiet determination were evident even in those early years. During high school, Craig met a young woman from Estherville, Iowa, Kathy Kultala. He often said she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Though he would jokingly remark that she was “way out of his league,” the two began dating and shared their first kiss under the disco ball inside the Roof Garden at Lake Okoboji — a story he loved to tell. After high school, they stayed in touch and dated as Craig attended Iowa State University as a pre-vet student and Kathy attended the University of Iowa. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and lived in the frat house during his undergraduate studies. Craig and Kathy were married on August 21, 1976, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter. They shared a small trailer near campus while Craig attended veterinary school at Iowa State. Following graduation, the couple moved to Cherokee, where Craig began practicing veterinary medicine. He later purchased a clinic in Pomeroy, branching out on his own, and eventually opened a new clinic in Manson, where he faithfully served the community for more than 30 years. Known simply as “Doc,” Craig was a gifted veterinarian who cared for both large and small animals. Clients frequently remarked on his extraordinary skill and the genuine compassion he showed, treating every animal as if it were his own. Craig retired in 2015 and cherished spending winter months in Palm Springs with Kathy. He was an avid fan and longtime season ticket holder of the Minnesota Vikings, faithfully cheering them on through every season. An accomplished golfer, Craig won numerous club championships in Manson and was a proud member of both Manson Golf and Country Club and Fort Dodge Country Club. He recorded five hole-in-ones during his lifetime — remarkably, two in the same week at those two courses — an achievement he carried with well-earned pride. Above all, Craig was devoted to his family. In recent years, he took on the role of caregiver as Kathy bravely battled Parkinson’s disease for over two decades, caring for her with the same steadfast love that defined their marriage. He was immensely proud of his three children, Brent, Elias, and Natalie, and found his greatest joy in being “Poppa Doc” to his seven grandchildren. He rarely missed their sporting events or school activities and loved delivering donuts during overnight visits — a simple tradition that became a cherished memory. Craig treasured his friendships and could often be found on the golf course or enjoying card night at KC’s Halftime Lounge. His steady presence, quick wit, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Craig is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children, Brent (Kim) of Omaha, NE; Elias (Niki) of Urbandale, IA; and Natalie of Denver, CO; his seven grandchildren Cameron, Wyatt, Nash, Drake, Maverick, Giovanna and Michaela; his brothers Allen (Mary) Johnson of Chandler, AZ and Kirk (Roberta) Johnson of Reno, NV; sister-in-law Diane Johnson of Tucson, AZ; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Lura Mae Johnson; and his brother Mark Johnson.

Memorial donations may be made to the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association in his honor.

Craig’s life was defined by dedication — to his faith, his family, his profession, and his friends. His legacy of compassion, humility, and quiet strength will live on in the many lives he touched.