Dawn Marie Johnson age 68 of Fairbank passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 22, 2025. Dawn was born February 15th, 1957 in Waterloo the daughter of Lyle and Ida Mae (Maxfield) Cue. She grew up in Independence and attended and graduated from Independence Community School with the class of 1975. After high school she enrolled at Hawkeye Community College to pursue a career in nursing, she graduated from there as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Dawn first worked at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids and then at Covenant Medical Center which then became MercyOne in Waterloo, retiring in 2024.
In 1978 she married Bob Johnson, they made their home in Independence. They had two children together, Rob and Mandy. They later divorced. Sometime after that she met Jerry “Goofy” Goeller and they remained together until he passed away in 2022.
Dawn enjoyed spending time with family and friends, baking, gardening, trips to the casino and vacation. She had a special group of friends that she loved to spend time with at Costa’s. They have been a big part of her especially after losing her Life Partner “Goofy”. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, especially by her children who were such a big part of her life.
Survived by: her son, Rob Johnson of Oelwein, her daughter, Mandy (Nathan) Ritter of Hazleton, one grandson, Tayt (Breanna) Johnson of Independence, one sister, Pam (Tom) Searcy of Cedar Falls, one sister-in-law, Kim Cue of Independence and one Brother, Doug Cue of Independence along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by: her parents, one sister, Vicki Yokem, one brother, Jim Cue and her Life Partner, Jerry “Goofy” Goeller.
A Celebration of Life: will be held on December 14th, 2025 at the Fairbank American Legion from 2:00-6:00 PM
Memorials: in lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. A savings account has been set up at Northeast Security Bank in Fairbank.
Condolences for Dawn M. Johnson
So sorry to hear of Dawns passing. It has been many years since I have had seen Dawn but we had many fun times at her parents cabin when we were young teens. My heart goes out to the family.
Dawn was a childhood friend from Cedar Falls, before the family moved to Independence. I was lucky to reconnect with Dawn, and her brother Doug, about 4 years ago. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend time with her again!! Dawn will be missed by many.
Pam & family – I am so sorry to hear of Dawn’s passing. I haven’t seen her in many, many years but will never forget the coolest pink, green and cream corduroy bell bottoms I got from her when I was in school. I wore those until they wore out!! Big Hugs to you!! Love, Kami (and Kevin too! )
Dawn served as my nurse at Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo, Iowa. She was a remarkable nurse who had great medical insight, capacity for multitasking, and empathy for the sick patients and their families. In addition, despite all she had done, I cannot recall her ever making an error! She did all this while caring for her family. She will be deeply missed.
Mandy, Rob and family….
My heart is broken. My soul sister has passed away and I’m going to miss her, her laugh, her deadpan humor, her smile, so many good times, the vacations, her trips to Pennsylvania to see us. NYC and Niagara Falls trips, Cancun, the calls when she was out with friends, the way she called me “Pennsylvania Patti”…I could go on
We first met in Cancun in 2002. She and I connected immediately and became great friends.
Trips together, laughs, lazy mornings on my deck.
I will miss HER…a piece of my heart has broken and I know that it went with her.
Hugs to Mandy (so glad you came to PA with your momma), Rob and your entire family.
God I loved that woman…my true soul sister
Oh my gosh Dawn was my nurse up at Dr. Craig’s office. It was a shock when she retired and now this is a shock. I can still hear her voice telling me what I needed to do every time I came in. Rest in Peace Dawn. Love the Craft Family