Loren Kendall Johnson, 72, of Postville, Iowa, took his final bow on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at his home. While we wish he could have stayed for just Eight Days a Week (and then some), Loren left behind a lifetime of love, laughter, music, and memories that will keep his spirit rocking for years to come.
Loren was born March 13, 1954, to Norman “Yogi” and Dorothy (Boese) Johnson in Postville, Iowa. A proud member of the Postville High School Class of 1972, he went on to attend Upper Iowa University in Fayette, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, followed by a Laboratory Science Certificate. Clearly, there was more to this drummer than keeping a beat!
Loren spent much of his career as the Laboratory Director at the Turkey Plant, where he designed the laboratory and oversaw all lab testing until the plant burned down in 2003. With a perfect attendance record spanning more than 20 years, Loren apparently took A Hard Day’s Night pretty seriously. He also worked at CamCar and M’s Manufacturing.
But when Loren wasn’t working, there was a good chance he was keeping the beat. A lifelong music lover and devoted Beatles fan, Loren was a drummer in several bands throughout his life, including Ninth Wave and Kik. Whether he was behind a drum set or listening to his favorite Fab Four tunes, music was always part of his story. And while Ringo Starr may have been the most famous Beatles drummer, Loren certainly held his own behind the set.
When he wasn’t making music, Loren enjoyed playing softball and pool, shooting trap, fishing, hunting, and reloading ammunition. He appreciated a good hobby, a little friendly competition, and doing things his own way. He certainly knew how to Come Together with friends for a good time.
Of all the songs and stories in Loren’s life, his greatest love story began with Peggy Polfer. On May 25, 1991, Loren married the love of his life at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life and recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Their love story was one for the ages, filled with laughter, devotion, and the kind of partnership that makes you believe All You Need Is Love really might be true.
Loren always believed his life’s purpose was to be a good husband and father. And while he may have loved The Beatles, his family was always his greatest hit.
Loren leaves behind his beloved wife, Peggy Johnson of Postville, Iowa; daughters, Nikki (Stephen) Lee and Kendra (Matthew) Seitz; grandchildren, Gavin (Julia) Klingman, Lilith (Matthew) Klingeman, and Jackson Seitz; and great-grandchild, Cam Klingeman. He is also survived by his siblings, Theresa Johnson and Eric (Karla) Johnson; nieces, Abigail (James) Caston and Kassandra Johnson; great-niece, Bella; great-nephew, Axel; and in-laws, Robin (late Hoot) Meyer, Lynn (Scott) Geno, Nick (Teri) Polfer, Jeff (Karla) Polfer, and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Dorothy Johnson. In-laws, Herman and Mary Polfer.
Although Loren’s final encore came far sooner than anyone expected, the love, laughter, and memories he leaves behind will never fade. Loren was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, or simply chat it up with anyone willing to stick around. Whether you needed advice, a little help, or just someone to shoot the breeze with, Loren was your guy. He never needed much of a reason to strike up a conversation, and chances are, you weren’t getting away without a good story or two. He truly knew how to Come Together with people, and he was always happy to get by With a Little Help from My Friends. As The Beatles reminded us, In My Life, there are people and moments we will always treasure. Loren gave his family and friends plenty of both.
Come Together to Celebrate Loren
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Loren’s life on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Meyer Concrete Shop, 540 West Williams Street, Postville, Iowa 52162.
Come as you are, bring your favorite Loren stories, share a laugh, and help us celebrate a man who marched to the beat of his own drum.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.
And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.
Rock on, Loren. Your music lives on.