Obituary of H. Wayne Johnson

H. Wayne Johnson, 78, of 824 Westside Drive, Iowa City, died Saturday, March 21, 2009 at his home, due to bladder cancer. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the H. Wayne and Donna J. Johnson Scholarship for the School of Social Work through the University of Iowa Foundation. Wayne was born January 22, 1931 in Bronson, Iowa to Harry J. and Winnie (Babcock) Johnson. He graduated from Bronson High School, Morningside College, and had graduate degrees from the University of Iowa and Indiana University. In 1959 Wayne married Donna Haafke in Bronson. They had two children. Wayne worked at the Marian County Juvenile Court in Indianapolis until he joined the faculty of Morningside College in Sioux City. There he taught sociology and social work for seven years. From 1965 to 1999 he was on the faculty as the coordinator of the undergraduate program at the University of Iowa School of Social Work. Two text books were authored or edited by Wayne, one published in five editions. Numerous journal articles were published along with chapters in other books and book reviews. He also reviewed manuscripts for publications. Wayne served on accreditation site teams of fifteen universities and colleges for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). He made many conference presentations. In Sioux City Wayne served on the boards of four social service agencies and was president of the Council of Community Services. In Iowa City he served on six organizations, boards, and was president of the Youth Emergency Shelter, later Youth Homes. Wayne was active nationally in social work education. He was elected vice president/secretary of the Council on Social Work Education and served on the board. He served as treasurer and board member of the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD). Several awards were received by Wayne. He was selected as the Outstanding Faculty Member at the Morningside College in 1964-65. In 1977 the Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers designated him, Iowa Social Worker of the Year. Wayne had a strong commitment to undergraduate social work education and students. He perceived such students as idealistic, dedicated, and motivated. For him undergraduates were his life’s endeavor. Travel was a major hobby for Wayne and Donna. They visited every continent. In retirement they spent two winter months in the south and they enjoyed their cabin at McGregor in the summers. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Dorothy Tye, and his daughter, Marilyn. He is survived by his wife, Donna, of Iowa City; his daughter Carolyn Tappan (Kevin) of Riverside; three grandchildren, Trenton and Carly Tappan of Riverside, and Nicole (Murphy) Mills (Cody) of Lone Tree; and three great-grandchildren Timothy, Chloe, and Lilly Mills. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is assisting with H. Wayne’s funeral arrangements.