Born November 14, 1956, in Nevada, Iowa, Jeffrey Scott Johnston was the son of Franklin “Dale” and Mildred (Clatterbuck) Johnston of Zearing.  He grew up and received his education in Zearing, graduating from NESCO High School in 1975.  He then attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls.

 On December 30, 1976, Jeff married Joyce Eley in Hubbard, Iowa.  The couple made their home outside of Zearing and were blessed with three children:  Guy, Rachelle, and Dalton.

 In the early years, Jeff worked as a farmer, hog producer, and also had part-time jobs working as an electrician, plumber, and in heating and construction.  He found his love of woodworking at Classic Cabinetry in Radcliffe and eventually partnered with John Dennis to form Holzern Designs.  This company became Holzern Design, LLC, owned by Jeff and Joyce.  When not working in town, Jeff was easily found in the shop covered with sawdust and stain.  He enjoyed working with many wonderful customers, providing high-quality cabinetry for homes, offices, and shops.

 The last decade of Jeff’s life was spent working as Superintendent of Zearing, taking care of the town and people he loved so much.  He took great pride and effort in performing many tasks that often go unnoticed or acknowledged.  He cared for people and the quality of small town living.  Jeff had great appreciation for his co-workers, volunteers, the mayor and council…everyone working to create and support life in a small Iowa town.  He had a great working relationship with the Story City water department – always there with advice, support, friendship, or a joke.  He loved ‘Zearing’ and took great pride in his efforts to maintain the town and duties of his position as City Superintendent.

 His best times were spent with family.  He found great joy with his grandkids.  He was an avid ISU Cyclones fan, believed in buying American, and had the philosophy to err on the side of doing the right thing, help others, and to be thankful for life’s blessings.

 Jeff loved time with friends – the convenience store coffee club, sharing stories (some fact but mostly fiction).  He had many wonderful friends with whom he made many fond memories.  He wasn’t bothered by clocks and didn’t fuss over the social details of life.  His wit was quick and his tongue clever.  Jeff will be remembered as honest, kind, and giving.  He was protective and strong for those he loved; our world was a better place because of him, not because of great innovation but because of his quiet, caring example of leadership.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; three children and their families, Guy and Lori (Coffman) Johnston and their children Kelsey and Ryan of Story City, Rachelle and Mike Bastow and son Mason of Prairie City, and Dalton and Sydney (Halferty) Johnston of Roland; two sisters, Beth Dodds of Zearing and Judi (Terry) Nessa of Huxley; a brother, Bruce (Lyn) Johnston of Scottsdale, AZ; his parents-in-law, R. Wendell and Helen Eley of Zearing; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and a host of friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Jeff and his family.