Longtime industry veteran Gary Johnson passed away at age 75 on Nov. 7, 2024.
Johnson’s career in the glass industry began in 1979 when he joined Viracon. He was later promoted to operations manager, and in 1984 he accepted the director of manufacturing position of the Viracon California plant. In 1993, he joined Helima Helvetion International in Germany as sales manager. Johnson accepted the managing director position for U.S., Canada, and Central and South America in 1996. He later served on Helima’s international board of directors until his retirement in 2023, serving the company for 30 years.
“Gary’s legacy will live on in our hearts and we are blessed that we had the opportunity to know him. We greatly appreciated his dedication, professionalism and humanity. His positive nature enriched the working environment for all of us, and we will keep him in honorable memory,” says Helima officials.
Surviving are his wife Karen Johnson; son Ryan Johnson and daughter Amy (Remo) Haenggli; granddaughters Kiehla and Anika Haenggli; siblings Pam (Brad) Larson, Colleen (Jeff) Hollister, Kirk (Julie) Johnson, and Jeff Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Jason; and brothers Dick Johnson and Kevin Johnson.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 5041, Boone, IA 50950.
