- Date Of Birth: June 6, 1931
- Date Of Death: October 18, 2020
- State: Iowa
Marlyn “Hoop” Johnson passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18th. He was born to Francis and Gladys Whitman Johnson on June 6th, 1931. He was raised in Albert City, Iowa with his sister Marlee, his brother Del, and later, his cousins Arlyn and Vivadelle Youngberg. His father nicknamed him Hoop at a very young age.
After high school, he attended North Park and Buena Vista colleges to become a teacher. He played basketball at both colleges, losing all of his front teeth on one of the gym floors. He met his wife, Jeannine, at the Covenant Bible Camp in Okoboji. They were married in 1954, and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They have two children, Julie and Craig.
Hoop taught and coached at Harcourt, Swea City, and Manson for a total of 39 years. He taught geography, science, business, and building trades classes, and coached both middle school and high school sports. He was a very successful boys basketball coach, taking a team to the state tournament in the 1970’s, and being recognized by the Iowa High School Boys Athletic Union for over 300 career wins. He was instrumental in starting a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter in Manson and had a positive impact on many young student’s lives. Even after he retired, he still supported Manson-Northwest Webster students, attending most high school events, running the score clock for basketball games, helping time runners at track meets and working in the crow’s nest at football games. He was always one of the biggest supporters for his children and grandchildren, never missing a game, concert or any other event that they were involved in.
During the summer months, Hoop and his crew of teachers built many houses in the Manson area. He, with the help of his brother Del, built the Inn at the Twin Lakes Bible Camp. He also transported and supervised prison inmates while constructing Harvest Hall at the camp. HIs dedication was never ending.
Hoop’s most important treasure was his family. He will be greatly missed by his wife Jeannine, children Julie (Mark) Tague and Craig (Rosann) Johnson, grandchildren Jessica (Joel) Hudson, Blake Sturtz, Amber, Rachel and Marcus Tague, and great-grandchildren Mila, Ryder Kolt, Elizabeth and Dillyn. He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Gladys Johnson, in-laws Odis and Evelyn Davidson, sister Marlyss Carlson and her husband George, brother Delwyn Johnson and his wife Nancy, and brother-in-law Tom Davidson.
