- Date Of Birth: October 31, 1956
- Date Of Death: December 27, 2021
- State: Iowa
Rena was born to Don and Margaret Johnson on Halloween- October 31, 1956 and found humor in telling her grandchildren she was a witch and would leave behind her book of spells when she passed. We have yet to find the spell book, but remain hopeful.
Rena married her soulmate, and love of her life, Jack Dawson, on September 17th, 1976. Together they built a life to be proud of, with a family that continues to carry on what they started so many years ago.
Rena worked for CDS for 26 years before retiring and spending more time with her loved ones.
Rena had many passions in her life, but the ones she will be remembered for the most is the absolute love and devotion she had for her family. She was our little but mighty, foul mouthed June Cleaver.
At grandmas house the grand-kids could never eat too much candy, or make too much of a mess in her eyes- instead she encouraged both. She had healing hugs, and knew just what to say to comfort her family- for many of us she was that “first phone call” in life.
Rena loved being in the kitchen cooking up the most delicious meals. She hosted Sunday dinners while her family was scattered throughout the house, with the most wonderful aromas from her cooking filling the air. Occasionally the aroma would be burnt bread, with a few explicit from grandma to follow.
Every family reunion you could count on grandmas famous potato salad, and baked beans. She truly loved standing on her back porch, when the family was out back, soaking in the life and love she built.
Rena was our own Disney princess, that could befriend any stray creature, and treated them as if they were her own. All the Des Moines strays will be a little skinnier these days, while grieving the loss of their Pocahontas. In addition to the outdoor pets, Rena doted on her dogs Chloe and Sparky- they were absolutely her fur children.
It wasn’t unusual for Rena to cook up steaks for her dogs, while the family had Spaghetti. Rena enjoyed taking risks at the slots with Jack by her side, even making trips Las Vegas. Apart from Vegas, Rena also enjoyed vacations to Omaha, Chicago, and Graceland. Rena loved shopping, and could not leave a store without visiting every single aisle twice, and touching every item at least once.
At 2:00 am grandma could be found sitting in her recliner, fixated on her true crime shows. Rena rooted for the Chicago Cubs-unless the game times cut into her ghost shows- and the Dallas Cowboys in honor of her son, Jack, whom she grieved every passing moment, since he left this earth for Heaven.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 46 years, and best friend Jack Dawson, children: Dan (Amanda) Dawson of Des Moines, Telisa (Pat) Sanders of Des Moines; grandchildren: Danny, Chelsie, Brianna, Shawn, Patrick, Joe, Taylor, Marissa, Thomas, Brooke, Nicole; and many great grandchildren; siblings: Linda (Kenny) Dawson of Des Moines, Donnie (Tammy) Johnson of Des Moines, Alice Johnson of Des Moines, Andy (Cathy) Eaton of Des Moines.
Reunited with those she deeply missed everyday since their passing are her parents, Margaret and Don, her son Jack Archer, nephew Bill Dawson and numerous fur babies but most recently,Sparky. We are confident it was the most magical reunion at heavens gates.
The world is darker without our shining light, but comfort is found knowing she instilled love and life lessons in those she’s left behind, these will never fade.
