Some songs from 1982
"A Love Song" Kenny Rogers
CHICAGO "Hard To Say I'm Sorry"
"Eye Of The Tiger" Suvivor
"Hungry Like The Wolf" Duran Duran
Vangelis "Chariots of Fire"

All six Johnson family members were born in South Dakota. The family moved to Manning, Iowa, in 1967 when Dale was transferred as Division Lineman for the Milwaukee Railroad. Living on May Street in North Manning.

Tom attended all 12 grades in the Manning Community School system. All four boys graduated from MHS and went on to college in Iowa. Bill (1974), Bob (1977), Steve (1980), and Tom (1982). Tom went on to graduate from Iowa State University in 1986 with a BS degree in Computer Engineering and spent his entire professional career as an independent software engineer. Tom had an amazing skill for absorbing whole new programming languages and applying them to his business.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving mother, Mary (long-time teacher in Templeton and Irwin), in 1985; father, Dale (1986), and brother, Bill (2022).

He is survived by his sons Alex (Washington, D.C.) and Kyle (Atlanta, Georgia); brothers Bob (Beaverton, Oregon), and Steve (Omaha, Nebraska); along with many nieces and nephews.

Like the entire family, Tom was proud to have grown up in the small town of Manning and was extremely grateful for his classmates reaching out while he was in hospice.

A celebration of life for both Bill and Tom is being planned for 2025 in Manning.

1982 former students: Roger Auten, David Belding, Shelley Belding, Brent Bell, Dacia Bell, Beth Brotherton, George Davis, Kevin Doyel, Theresa Epperly, John Falck, Michelle Feltner, Sheila Ferry, Laura Fischer, Todd Gerdes, Abner Hendrickson, Kimberly Karstens, Karol Klinker, Sandra Kovacevic, Karen Kruse, Michael Lamp, Susan Lee, Carla Madsen, Michelle McMillen, Keith Meeves, Rick Petersen, Dwayne Read, Todd Rix, Kimberly Ross, Michael Rowedder, Joyce Schlichte, Mary Schwaller, Ron Sevey, Tully "Buzz" Simon, Robert Vaughn, Debora Vogl, David Walsh, Lance Warnke, Duane Wilde, Susan Wittrock

Back: Bill, Dale, Mary, Bob
Front: Tom, Steve

Tom Johnson in Kindergarten

Sara Carter, Lori Justice, Jessica Dammann, Lisa Hass, Janice Eickman
Patrick Lutwitze, Sheila Ferry, Tom Johnson, Michael Lamp, Scott Fielweber
Abner Hendrickson, Kenneth Bauer, Craig Hacker, David Wegner
Danny Kalkhoff, Todd Rix
Julie Siepker, Lyle Christensen

Alex & Tom Johnson - 2003 father/son look-a-like contest for Kinderfest

"Tall & Short" of MHS 1974

Bill "Twiggy" Johnson & Kevin "Chipper" Wanninger standing in the doorway to the school library

Bill Johnson interviewing US Congressman William Scherle of Iowa at MHS 1974

Robert Johnson MHS 1977

Steven Johnson MHS 1980

Tom Johnson MHS 1982

Dale Johnson

Sergeant Dale Johnson Returning from Korea August 27, 1953 With the 40th Infantry Division in Korea, Sgt. Dale W. Johnson, son of Mrs. Lena Johnson of Summit, is returned to the U.S. after serving with the 40th infantry division in Korea. Sergeant Johnson, a member of the 980th field artillery batallion's battery C, joined the division in July 1952, and earned the commendation ribbon, Korean and UN service ribbons. Before entering the army he was employed by the Milwaukee railroad.

Mike Lamp's birthday party in the city park.
Tom Johnson in the checkered shirt facing the camera.

Dean Moeller giving Bill a haircut???
1974 yearbook

Bill was never bashful about anything

Boys' State 1973-74

William Johnson, Michael Gawley, Larry Mundt, Jon Ahrendsen, Randy Renze, Paul Renze
Mike Gawley, Larry Mundt, Jon Ahrendsen and Randy Renze were the delegates to Boys' state.
Bill Johnson and Paul Renze were the alternates.
Standing on the north side of the old high school along 141.

Junior High Basketball

Back: Doug Weems, Terry Halbur, Jay Drees, Brian Joens, John Reischl, Brad Zerwas
Third: Joe Hinners, Doug Opperman, Brian Potthoff, Larry Sturm, Dale Williams, Robert Johnson, Rick Dammann
Second: Marc Arp, Don Opperman, Brett Monson, Dave Opperman, Rod McConnell, James Moore - coach
Front: Kevin Linder, Kevin "Chipper" Wanninger, Scott "Tish" Nelson, Rob Dammann, Ben Puck, Wesley Dammann

Junior High Football

Back: Dave Opperman, Brad Zerwas, Brian Joens, Jay Drees, Terry Halbur, John Stangl
Third: John Reischl, Dana Jahn, Dale Williams, Brian Potthoff, Mark Nulle, Rick Wittrock, Rick Warner
Second: Larry Sturm, Robert Johnson, Don Opperman, Doug Opperman, Scott Nelson, Ben Puck
Front: Rod McConnell, Brett Monson, Jeff Irlmeier, Kevin Wanninger, Jay Mohr

1979-80 High School basketball

Back: Steve Stripling, Dana Schroeder, Brad Joens, Steve Johnson, Steve Fogleman, Bruce Monson, Keith Wanninger
Front: Marty Mullen, Kevin Klocke, Dave Ramsey, Dale Nelson

Seniors

Back: Brad Joens, Steve Johnson, Steve Stripling
Front: Dave Ramsey, Keith Wanninger

From the 1973-74 yearbook
Did You Know?
Jan Karsten cries at scary movies?
Dave Kusel hit his head on the basketball rim while jumping?
William Johnson has turned into a Playboy?
There was a battle of the bands at the Starline on Sunday night, but nobody told the bands?
Kent Wiese likes to have Keith Stribe rub his feet?

Cast Selected for "Oliver" Musical
Stage Presentation November 16, 17, 1973
Bumble-David Crandall
Corny-Amy Brotherton
Mr. Brownloe-Mark Stangl
Mrs. Sowerberry-Jerilyn Kusel
Mr. Sowerberry-Doug Hansen
Charlotte-Peg Dentlinger
Noah-Gary Drees
Dr. Grimwig-Bill Johnson
Mrs. Bedwin-Maureen Williams
Old Sally-Jessica Zerwas
Practices are every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 in the Auditorium. The auditorium will benefit the actors with more stage room and new lighting that give special effects. It will also benefit the audience with better seating facilities.
The setting is in London, England around the 1880s. The performances are November 16th and 17th at 7:30.
This year the Manning High School Musical Theatre is presenting the musical "Oliver." "Oliver" was chosen because the directors wanted "a good production for the new auditorium and it contains a large cast." There are 83 parts: 16 which contain Jr. High students.
Mr. J. Miller is the theatre director and Mr. Linder is the music director. Chris Beck is the stage manager and Deb Opperman and Sue Rutz are the accompanists. The most difficult aspect of the production is for the actors to learn the cockney or the London dialect. Jean Garner, the A.F.S. student from England will help the actors with this.

There are many new people in the main roles. The 6 major roles are:
Oliver-Tom Lee
Fagin-Dean Moeller
Dodger-Mark Jensen
Sikes-Lynn Mork
Nancy-Becky Tank
Bet-Kim Sailor
"Oliver" Production Progresses
Committees for various phases of the "Oliver" production, such as props, lighting, costumes, and advertising, have been established. Gwen Fielweber heads the committee for props, while the lighting is tackled by Dean Fara. The costumes are handled by Jessica Zerwas and Lynn Mark, and the advertising is left up to Maureen Williams. Gwen's department has been looking for, old clothing and would appreciate any clothing that readers would like to donate.
Originally, the cast had been taking cockney lessons from Jean Garner, but as of now it's "every man for himself."
One group of the cast has started working on a dance routine to go with a song. It's a bit confusing for some, and a few are born dancers, but just about everyone is improving.
Most of the scenes in the musical have been run through, and some quite a few times.
And of course everyone's trying to get their lines memorized down pat.
The play has been scheduled for November 16th and 17th with a matinee for the school on the 15th.
November 8, 1973 Behind the Scenes of "Oliver"
Students Manage Production
The musical being held this year, or for that matter, any year, has meant a lot of work for many people. Not only the actors but also the people behind the scenes really make any musical a success.
Of course, everything falls under the supervision of Mr. Linder and Mr. James Miller. Directly under Mr. Linder and Mr. Miller are the stage manager (Chris Beck) and the house manager (Doug Hansen). These two people are in charge of additional committees. It may seem confusing, but they are managing to work everything out smoothly.
Under stage manager Chris Beck are the props committee, the costumes committee, the lighting crew, and the make-up committee. Each has its own chairman.
The props committee is overseen by Gwen Fielweber. This committee is busy applying a little paint here and there and, generally, making the scenes more lifelike and colorful. Several props necessary for "Oliver" have been obtained through students and friends in the community. The most unusual prop called for in the play is --of all things-- a coffin!
"Oliver" requires many costumes as Jess Zerwas, Lynn Mork and Miss Mileham, the home economics teacher, have found out. The Home Ec room is bustling these days with students modeling their "fashionable" apparel and sewing machines zipping together little white caps and black skirts for the girls. Again much of the costumes are left up to the ingenuity of the wearer. But final approval must be given by Mr. Miller and Miss Mileham.
Lighting crew, headed by Dean Fara, operates the stage lights during rehearsals (after all, an actor should be able to see what's going on!) The majority of their time, however, is spent in learning how to operate the new lighting equipment; setting lights and cutting color gels for the lights.
The make-up committee, supervised by Connie Weems, makes its debut at the dress rehearsal and performances. Prior to the time in which they perfect an actor face, their main job is to see the supplies of makeup are plentiful, particularly since this play has such a large cast. It would be terrible if they ran out of face cream and had to "improvise."
The house manager (Doug Hansen) is considered very important. He is in charge of the tickets committee, headed by Karen Tank; the advertisement committee, handled by Maureen Williams; and the programs committee, supervised by Carol Musfeldt. Little is needed to explain these committees for they do exactly what their titles say. Ticket sales are set up by the tickets committee. Posters and ads proclaiming the coming of "Oliver" are overseen by Maureen Williams and helpers. Carol Struve is in charge of putting together the programs. Happiness is all these crews working together to make "Oliver" a success.

Season Summary
Twenty-three players reported for baseball at the start of the season with six quitting before the season was over for various reasons: baseball interfering with work, getting caught drinking, injury, and loosing interest with baseball. Only three letter winners returned with no one else having very much experience especially at pitching.

The season can be summed up in that when we had good hitting, the pitching and defense was poor and when the pitching and defense were good the hitting was poor. Pitchers this year were Brad Bjorkgren, Brian Potthoff, Marc Arp, and Scott Stripling. Each pitched real well at times during the season, but gave up too many runs as well as walks. The walks caused the fielders to be less alert and to commit more errors as well as keeping the pitchers in constant trouble all season. This combined with poor fielding and inconsistent hitting led to many defeats. The Midwest Conference is a very tough league to compete in for baseball and all of the non-conference teams we played finished with more wins than losses for the year, During the season Manning was playing mostly sophomores and underclassmen against teams composed of seniors and juniors.

The high point of the season was the only victory of the year, a 13-10 win of Manilla. This was the first victory by a Manning High School team over Manilla all year. Everybody on the team contributed in some way to the victory which was close and hard fought all the way to the end. Some of the other well played games were Audubon 2-8 (Audubon scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th), Perry 6-7 (Perry scored 3 runs in the top of the 7th), Denison 2-10 (Denison scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 6th), Audubon 14-15 (Audubon scored 4 runs in the top of the 7th), Ar-We-Va 12-15 (Manning had the bases loaded in the bottom of the 7th with no one out but could not score), Dow City-Arion 8-9 (in 8 innings Manning shut out Dow City for four straight innings before the winning run scored when a thrown ball trickled out of the playing area along the third base line letting the runner on third go home), and Ar-We-Va 6-7 in the Sectionals (the winning run scored in the bottom of the 7th after Manning had scored 3 times that inning to tie the score).

During the season Manning had seven run innings against Ar-We-Va and Exira, a six run inning against Perry, and five run innings against Manilla and Audubon, Against Ar-We-Va during the regular season, Mark Hagedorn, and Tim Kienast both hit homes runs with Tim's being a grand slam. Bob Johnson against Exira had two doubles in the same inning. Against Manilla in the sectionals Brad Bjorkgren went 4 for 5 with his only out being a line drive to the third baseman as well as pitching a real good game. In that same game Scott Stripling had five RBI's and not back to back triples with Brad. During sectional play Manning batted one hundred points better that the regular season.

In preparing for next year the players need to work more on their own before and during the season tit) improve their skills and show more desire and determination to come up with a consistent winning season. With almost everybody returning next year and the younger players getting stronger and more experienced, Manning should be able to field a very respectable baseball team.

Seniors Plans -- Top Awards
Forty-three of the 63 members of the class of 1977, 68 percent of the class, will continue their education, Guidance Counselor John Morey told the group attending Manning High School Commencement services Sunday.

Of the 43, 21 (33 percent) are entering 4-year college or university programs; 16 (25 percent) are going to attend junior colleges or vocational training programs; five will soon enter the service, and one will be attending a 3-year nursing program.

The remaining 20 students are making plans for jobs, or have already entered the adult world of employment," Morey added.

He added that the following scholarships have, been earned by students at the present time, adding that several junior colleges will not make scholarship announcements until August 31.

Susan Grimm: Presidential Scholarship, Elks Leadership Scholarship. She will attend Morningside College.

Lori Gross: Iowa Tuition Grant, Work Study program at Northwestern.

Becky Heinicke: Iowa Tuition Grant, State of Iowa Scholar, plus additional college monies for her study at Morningside.

Janet Herbers: Resident Scholarship to University of Northern Iowa.

Jeff Irlmeier: Basic Education Opportunity Grant to Iowa State University.

Brian Joens: Student Aid Scholarship to the University of Northern, Iowa.

Kevin Linder: Music Scholarship, Iowa Tuition Grant, and Work Study program at Morningside.

Denise Mohr: Iowa Tuition Grant, Buena Vista College Scholarship, and Art Scholarship to Buena Vista.

Jay Mohr: Tuition Grant to either Morningside or Iowa Lakes Community College.

Joni Siepker: Iowa Tuition Grant to American Institute of Business.

Doug Weems: Basic Education Opportunity Grant to Des Moines Area Community College.

Kristin Hansen: Basic Education Opportunity Grant to Colorado State University.

State of Iowa Scholars, who have been honored for their outstanding academic achievements, include Becky Heinicke, Janis Opperman, Brad Zerwas, and Sue Grimm. These awards do not necessarily include financial awards, Morey added.

Miss Opperman was also presented with the National Merit Award and scholarship from the University of Iowa.

Four Manning awards were presented Sunday to outstanding seniors in the Class of 1977.

Brad Zerwas was presented with both the Bruce Fischer Memorial and with the newly created Student Council Scholarship. Zerwas will attend Iowa State University.

The Manning Rotary Scholarship recipient was Brian Joens, who will attend the University of Northern Iowa.

Janet Herbers was given the Diane Hinners Memorial Scholarship for her study at University of Northern Iowa.

Other top awards, presented at a special Awards Night at the school May 18, included: the American Citizenship Award to Brad Zerwas; High School Science Award and Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award to Brett Monson; John Philip Sousa Award, shared by Sue Grimm and Kevin Linder; and Outstanding Senior Athlete to Brian Joens.

Other awards presented during the evening were: National Honor Society: MaiKit Chandler, Rebecca Heinicke, Brian Joens, Laurie Vonnahme, Joan Croghan, Dean Heithoff, Charles Hughes, Jr., Mary McNutt, Shirley Renze, Doris Rohe, Greg Sextro, Richard Struve, and Jean Voege.

Student Council: officers: president David Opperman, vice-president Richard Struve, secretary Sue Grimm, and treasurer Sherrie Bruhn; pins for two years of service: Janis Opperman, Jean Voege, Dan Beck, Bary Kienast, Tom Lee, Robert Opperman, John Pratt, and Tom Stangl; meritorious service awards: Sue Grimm, senior, 4 years service, Barbara Kalkhoff, senior, three years, and Richard Struve, junior, three years.

Boys State Representatives: Brad Bjorkgren, Del Christensen, Dean Heithoff, Richard Struve; alternates Charles Hughes, Jr., and James Opperman.

Office Assistants: Mary Eickman, Barbara Kalkhoff, Joni Siepker, Donna Weiskircher, Sue Hinners, Janet Genzen, Regina Halbur, Carol Justice and Joleen Irlmeier.

Perfect Attendance: juniors Joan Croghan, Doris Rohe, and Jean Voege, sophomores Kristy Halbur, Julie Leinen, Beth Myer, SueAnn Stribe, Dan Beck and Tom Lee, and freshmen Debra Stoberl, Randy Gross, Brad Joens, Ron Kerkhoff, Jeff Potthoff, and Keith Wanninger.

Candy Stripers: two year certificates: Regina Halbur, Lisa Nelson and Renee Siepker; one-year certificates: Sandra Falck, Nadine Hinners, Beth Myer, Kim Sailer, and Carol Williams; certificate and pin: Carmen Fogleman, Nancy Hacker, Susan Hinners and Teresa Johnson.

Track: 4-year bar and certificate to Brian Joens, three-year to Jim Opperman and Kyle Wiese, two-year to Russell Ruhde, "m", emblem and one-year certificate to Lonny Rowedder, Harold Auten, and Tom Wittrock.

Brian Joens was honored for setting a track record at two meets, for ranking in State and Southwest Iowa rosters, and for attending the state meet in the 440. Jim Opperman was noted for setting two school records and setting two track meet records.

Vocal Music: seniors, 4 years, Sue Grimm, Brian Joens, Kevin Linder, Brett Monson; three-years Becky Rowedder, Brad Zerwas; two years, MaiKit Chandler, Kim Mitchell, Denise Mohr, Jay Mohr; one year, Sherrie Bruhn, Mary Eickman, Lori Gross and Jan Opperman; juniors, three years, Cindy Curlile, Mike Mohr, Richard Struve, Don Wurr; two years, Janet Genzen, Mary McNutt; one year, Ginger Wolf and Dan Gore; sophomores, two years, Lauri Christensen, Connie Linder, Tom Lee; Dan Mohr, John Pratt, Dan Schroeder; one year, Denise Schroeder and Mike Christensen; freshmen, an one year, Cindy Linder, Rhonda Opperman, Vicki Schwiesow, Karen Vollstedt, Carol Williams, Tracy Hansen, Brad Joens, Tim Lee, Bruce Meeves and Brian Pfoltner.

Physical Fitness: senior, Sherrie Bruhn, 4th award, and Mary Eickman, 2nd; juniors Joan Croghan and Joan Hass, both first awards; sophomores Julie Bruhn, Connie Linder and Sue Ann Stribe, all 3rd awards; and freshman Tracy Leinen, 4th award.

Bowling: seniors Stephanie Coiling, Susan Grimm, Denise Mohr and Becky Rowedder; juniors Mary McNutt and Ginger Wolfe; sophomores Carmen Fogleman, Katie Haskins, Janet Rohe and Kim Sailer; and freshmen Dawn Hargens and Terri Rix. Cheerleading: Nancy Grau, Cheryl Hansen, Connie Wegner, Joni Karsten, Carlys Kusel and Shirley Renze.

Volleyball: Becky Heinicke, Becky Rowedder, Kim Mitchell, Denise, Mohr, Marsha Beck, Janet Genzen and Karie Haskins; manager bar and insert to Cherri Ramsey.

Baseball: Tim Kienast, Bob Johnson, Brian Potthoff, Jay Mohr, Scott Stripling, Brad Bjorkgren, Kyle Wiese, Mark Hagedorn, David Ramsey, and Keith Wanninger.

Declam: Mary Eickman, Michelle Espin, Sue Grimm, Becky Heinicke, Becky Rowedder, Joni Siepker, Laurie Vonnahme, Cindy Curlile, Brenda Juels, Jean Voege, Brian Joens, Kevin Linder, Jay Mohr, Dave Opperman, Don Opperman, Doug Opperman, Tom Knop, Greg Sextro, Dan Schroeder, and Tom Stangl; outstanding medal for high total of speech points to Dave Opperman.

Drama: acting, Dave Opperman, Don Opperman, Doug Opperman, Brad Zerwas, Don Wurr, Tom Lee, John Pratt, Dan Schroeder, Tom Stangl, Kim Mitchell, Denise Mohr, Becky Rowedder, Laurie Vonnahme, Cindy Curlile, Brenda Juels, Connie Linder, Lisa Nelson, Denise Schroeder, Cindy Linder, Brian Joens, Kevin Linder and Jay Mohr; stage crew, Brad Bjorkgren, Del Christensen, Dean Heithoff, Marsha Beck, Joan Hass, Teresa McKay; set construction, Dan Gore; stage manager, Chuck Hughes, jr.; lights, Dick Struve; set painting, Tim Lee and Lori Gross; set chairman, MaiKit Chandler; programs, Mary Eickman and Jan Opperman; directing, Sue Grimm; and make-up, Joni Siepker and Renee Siepker.

Paw Prints: Becky Rowedder, Sue Grimm, Brenda Juels, Dave Opperman, Jay Mohr, Brett Monson, Bary Kienast, Brad Joens, Tracy Leinen; Denise Schroeder, Doug. Opperman, Brian Joens, Chuck Hughes, jr., Lori Foote, Joni Siepker, Greg Sextro, Jean Voege, John Pratt, Tom Stangl, Thea Mullen, Michelle Espin, Lori Gross, MaiKit Chandler, Mary McNutt, Kevin Linder, Sherrie Bruhn, Joyce Justice, Renee Siepker, Lisa Nelson, and Ginger Wolfe; Becky Rowedder received a special bound edition of the Paw Prints.

Paw Prints "Bulldog of the Year" plaque: Brian Joens.

Home economies: General Mills Family Leader of Tomorrow: Laurie J. Vonnahme.

Golf: boys: Brett Monson, Kevin Vollstedt, Brad Bjorkgren, Brad Vollstedt, John Pratt and Scott Stripling; girls: Sue Stribe, Carlys Kusel, Denise Mohr, Teresa McKay, Thea Mullen and Cindy Curlile.

FFA: Mark Nulle, Dick Struve, Jim Opperman, Lynn Christensen, Kevin Irlmeier, Bruce Bruhn, Randy Willenborg, Bob Opperman, Keith Vollstedt, Scott Jensen, Randy Stoberl and Steve Tank; president Mark Nulle; judging team members Keith Vollstedt, Bob Opperman, Scott Jensen, Bruce Bruhn.

Library: Patty Weller and Elaine Weller, all year; Joleen Irlmeier, Norine Felker, Cindy Curlile and MaiKit Chandler, first semester.

Bowling: Mark Hagedorn, Jay Houghton, Brad Vollstedt, Brad Joens, Doug Weems, Jay Mohr, Dave Opperman, Doug Opperman, Mike Mohr, Paul Christensen, Brad Bjorkgren and Tracy Hansen.

Band: 4th year, Sue Grimm, Jan Opperman, Kevin Linder; 3rd year, MaiKit Chandler; Mary Eickman, Becky Heinicke, Becky Rowedder, Laurie Vonnahme, Brad Zerwas; first year, Sherrie Bruhn, Lori Gross, Janet Herbers, Kim Mitchell, Rob Dammann, Brian Joens, Don Opperman, John Stangl, twirlers Barbara Kalkhoff and Pat Weitl; Northwest Iowa honor band, Sue Grimm, Kevin Linder; all state and Northwest Iowa honor bands, Laurie Vonnahme and Becky Heinicke (An above are honored were Cindy Curlile, Pat Ferneding, Janet Genzen,. and Carlys Kusel; sophomores Connie Linder, Lori Christensen, Sue Ann Stribe, Bary Kienast and Tom Stangl; and freshmen Cindy Linder and Brian Pfoltner, also drum major, Carlys Kusel, 2 years.

Comet: Sherrie Bruhn, Michelle Espin, Jay Mohr, Joni Siepker, Brad Zerwas, Shirley Renze, Dick Struve, Doug Hicks, Dana Genzen, Brad Vollstedt, Joyce Justice, Doris Rohe.

A number of track, football, and basketball awards, which had been presented earlier in the year, were again announced.