Some sad news to share

[John Bissell]

Iowa Birders,

I received word this morning that the IOU’s beloved Ann Johnson passed away March 23. Countless Iowa birders have known “AJ” for years, and she’s been a wonderful ambassador for the IOU long before I became a member in 2002.

 

I don’t know any specific details about funeral arrangements, but here is her obituary. https://www.overtonfunerals.com/obituaries/ann-johnson

 

Thank you

 

John Bissell

Grimes

 

John Bissell, AIC Subrogation Assistant Manager

T 515-345-7554  John.N....@EMCIns.com My working hours are: 7:00-3:30 emcinsurance.com

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[Clayton Will]

That is sad to hear John, 

Ann was very instrumental in helping me ID birds even late at night.

I'll always remember Ann sitting on the grass in the back yard of a Humboldt home taking pictures of a Broad-billed Hummingbird along with six other birders. 

Rest in Peace Ann, 

Clayton Will

Madrid

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[Paul Roisen]

John,

  Thank you so much for sending out the very sad news.

  If you get any updates on funeral arrangements or visitation, I would greatly appreciate it.

    AJ was a great help to me when I first became involved in bird watching back late in 2004.  Additionally, she was an incredible support to me when I became VP under John Rutenbeck and then was blessed with being the President a year later. 

   Ann will be remembered for her selfless service to the IOU from way before I became involved right up to the end.  Iowa birders and conservationists are better off today due to her unceasing dedication.

   Even knowing quite a bit about the IOU history and its great leadership over its history, her dedication and often thankless hard work on IOU Website, I cannot imagine anyone else who has given more hours to the IOU than Ann Johnson. 

   May she rest in Peace.  Please keep her family in your prayers.

God Bless you all.

Paul O. Roisen

Sioux City, IA 51106  Woodbury County, IA

Mobile 712-301-2817   roise...@gmail.com

On Wed, Mar 25, 2026 at 1:57 PM John Bissell <John.N....@emcins.com> wrote:

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[timothy.barksdale]

Dear Friends,

I spoke with Ann on the 18th for about 15 minutes; she seemed more tired than usual.

She was beginning to plan her "retirement" and a move to the Phoenix area with her son. 

Ann always seemed to be part "Elvish" because of her wonderful sense of humor. We often had coffee at various locations in the Des Moines area as I passed through on my way to the north or on my way back. Long birding stories and discussions of one rarity or another were always a part of the visit. Plans for future endeavors too.

Besides the fact that she was a good solidly skilled birder, I always admired her ability to take on a new task. She was not a youngster when she decided to learn coding to develop websites. Then she decided to form her own "server farm" last year. !! Wow. That is both- bold and courageous.

Many birding groups will have to find new wings because of her departure. I'm sure others can expand on her fine points.

Her spirit is with the Eskimo Curlews and Ivory-bills now and I will miss our coffee's and her friendship.

Tim Barksdale

Choteau, MT

Mokane, MO