Representative Robert Max L. Johnson View All Years

ROBERT M. L. JOHNSON

ROBERT M.L. JOHNSON was born on January 6, 1921, in Des Moines, Iowa.

As a small boy his family moved to Chicago and then later to Cedar Rapids. He was a 1938 graduate of Franklin High School where he met his bride, Edna Mae Haldy. They were married on July 20, 1941 at Coe College in Cedar Rapids.

Johnson served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific theater reaching the rank of 1st Lt in the 10th Corps.

After returning from the war Johnson worked in broadcasting first with the Eldora Herald-Tribune then to the Waterloo Daily Courier as a reporter and columnist. He was hired by WMT Stations in 1952 as a radio and television reporter and ‘on air’ newscaster before becoming the new editor.

Johnson was appointed to the Cedar Rapids City Council as Safety Commissioner. Served as Mayor from 1962 to 1968 during that time he initiated Urban Renewal that essentially rebuilt the downtown area. After his term as Mayor he was the City Manager for Marion from 1971 to 1973. Johnson was involved in many groups and organizations such as a member of the Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church, Mt. Hermon Masonic Lodge, El Kahir Shrine Temple, Goodfellows, Optimists, Executives Club, High 12, Veterans Memorial Commission and the Governors Commission for State and Local Governments under Governor Harold Hughes.

Johnson was a Linn County Republican. During his time in the Iowa House he was the Vice-Chair Commerce and was a member of County Government, Labor and Industrial Relations. He was elected to the Iowa House in November 1978. He served in the 68th, 69th, 69th Extra and 69th Second-Extra General Assemblies.

Robert M.L. Johnson passed away on April 13, 2009, he was 88 years old.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The House Of Representatives Of The Eighty-Fourth General Assembly Of Iowa, That in the passing of the Honorable Robert M.L. Johnson, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

NICK WAGNER

TODD TAYLOR

Committee