Meet your neighbor: The Johnson family

Meet one of the “newer” families in Winfield.

Tony and Josie Johnson moved to Winfield in July 2023 from Maquoketa. They purchased the former Jerry and Pat Fricke home at 503 Central Avenue.

“We moved to Winfield because we wanted to be closer to Iowa City, but still in a small town,” Josie explained, adding, “We wanted to find a good school for our son to finish his high school career. Once we visited the town and school, we knew it was a good fit for all of us.”

Josie was born in Ottumwa and graduated from Colfax-Mingo High School in 1996. Her parents are Alan and Brenda Strasser and she has a younger sister, Holly Rubalcava.

Tony was born in Preston to Ray and Chris Johnson. He has an older brother, Trae Johnson, and a younger brother, Andy Johnson. Tony graduated from Preston High School in 1995.

Tony graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1999 with a BS in Physical Education, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Drake in 2015. Josie is a 2001 graduate of the University of Iowa with BAs in Elementary Education and English, and an Master’s in Library and Information Sciences in 2018.

Tony’s professions include PE and Health teacher at Highland HS and Central Lee HS, and principal at Easton Valley JH/HS. Currently Tony is the MS/HS principal at Wapello CSD. Josie is an elementary teacher and is currently a teacher librarian at Borlaug Elementary in Iowa City.

Tony’s career took him to Highland, Easton Valley, and Central Lee. Josie has taught at Washington, Highland, Maquoketa, and Iowa City.

Tony and Josie met through mutual friends in February 1996. Even though they lived 3 hours apart, they made the distance work by talking each night and seeing each other on the weekends. They were married on June 17, 2000, in Colfax, IA and this year are celebrating 25 years of marriage.

They are empty-nesters as both of their offspring are out of high school and pursuing their careers. Their daughter, Maisy, 22, just graduated with a marketing degree and is pursuing a Master’s in Sports and Rec Management at the University of Iowa. Their son Kael is in his second year of college at the University of Iowa studying secondary education with a math endorsement.

Tony said a highlight of his career was “Coaching my team at Easton Valley in a football state championship game in the fall of 2021.”

“Every year we travel to Florida for a family vacation,” Joise said, adding, “We love the Hawkeyes and attending sporting events. We also enjoy going to theme parks.”

After living in Winfield for over two years, the Johsons had this to say, “We love the sense of community and belonging that happens in small towns. The pride that residents take in their town and school are something you can’t find everywhere.”

Winfield welcomes the Johnsons to our small town of Winfield!