Obituary of Tad M. Johnston

Tad Michael Johnston, age 62, passed on September 17, 2021. He was born in Iowa City on April 3, 1959 to Judy (Hills) and Joseph Johnston. A graduate of City High, he went to Pilots school where he earned a pilot’s license. He was a computer trouble-shooter for the City of Iowa City and Pearsons computer-based testing center. At age 30, he enlisted in the Army and after being stationed in Germany, he served in Desert Storm. Re-enlisting for another 4 years in 1992, he closed out his duty at Ft. Sill, OK as Novell Network Administrator at the rank of SSG (signal support system specialist and software analyst and combat veteran (1990-1996) He was awarded: Army commendation medal; Army achievement medal; Army good conduct medal; National defense service medal; Kuwait liberation medal; Southwest Asia service medal with 3 bronze service star and accorded expert marksmanship status. Tad married Tami Poggenpohl in September 1982 and later divorced. He is survived by Tami, sons Joe, Jim and Justin, mother Judy, and step-mother Amanda Potterfield; siblings Tyler (Angie), Tim, Tricia (John) Lacey and Harris Johnston. And grandchildren, Michael, Kaitlyn, Gage and George. He was pre-deceased by son John, grandson Jaxston, and father, Joseph Johnston. Tad was a natural mechanic. He loved to tinker; be it cars, trucks or motorcycles. He felt especially rewarded when overhauling motorcycles with grandson Gage. While Tad suffered serious health issues which occurred during Desert Storm, he remained upbeat and was in a good place….thoroughly enjoying time with family and friends. There will be a visitation from 11-1 p.m. on September 30th at Gay-Ciha funeral home, followed by gravesite military honors in Tiffin. We welcome you to share your memories of Tad at the visitation, or leave your condolences online at www.gayandciha.com. Donations in Tad’s memory can be made to the VFW.