Gudrun "DuDu" Louise Johnson

Gudrun “DuDu” Johnson of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on May 20, 2026 after a battle with Alzheimer’s. The daughter of Anne and Palmer Lund, she was born April 19, 1945 in Duluth, MN and spent her childhood on the family farm in Roseau, MN.

DuDu graduated from Roseau High School in 1963 and was working as a car hop at Earl’s Drive In when she met Jim Johnson, a known local radio station personality. After a short courtship, DuDu chose to follow the boy. They married on December 28, 1963 and moved to support Jim’s radio career, eventually settling in Des Moines, IA. They celebrated their 50-year anniversary, prior to Jim’s passing.

From the marriage, they had four children, Troy, Kelli, Todd, and Tom. Her children always felt her love and support. She encouraged them to reach for the stars, always knowing they could accomplish whatever they desired. This love transferred to her seven grandchildren, whom she adored.

She spent her career as a mom, homemaker, entrepreneur, and small business owner. At the end of her career, she enjoyed antique sales. Although, her family believed she was more of a “collector” than seller, evident by the many treasures found in her house. The thrill of the chase kept her motivated, whether camping in her car overnight at tag sales or finding a deal at a garage sale, she loved to find the hidden gem.

DuDu was the consummate sports mom. As a hockey and football mom she would often help organize, feed, raise money and just be the lead cheerleader for her son’s teams. When the Des Moines Buccaneers were introduced, she was eager to open her home to host a player. She made sure the Bucs had their steak and potato game day dinner.

During the 2008 election season, she became involved in politics and was a valuable volunteer. She would talk to anybody about the issues important to help Iowans thrive. At the local level, she would volunteer her time door knocking and encourage people to register and get out to vote.

Her annual summer treks to Roseau were her cherished time with family and friends. She savored attending the Roseau County Fair, island hopping on Lake of the Woods, spending time with friends at the Legion, and being near family.

DuDu never met a stranger. Her heart was the size of the moon and she always gave of herself. As her children began to leave the home, she and her husband became foster parents for teenagers, many who became a part of the family long-term including Brandy Luncsford. She provided unconditional support and encouragement with her only goal to make them feel safe and secure to make their own decisions. She became a source of help for many in need, whether helping the man in the wheelchair stuck in the snow to someone struggling to pay for groceries, many were on the receiving end of her gifts.

DuDu is survived by her children, Troy (Michelle) of Sammamish, WA, Kelli (Paul) Soyer of Urbandale, IA, Todd (Cathy) of Sammamish, WA, Tom (Nicole) Berger of Urbandale, IA, grandchildren, Marly, Jake, Sayde, Finley, Parker, Colton, and Olivia; brothers, Tom Lund and Richard (Lynda) Lund; sisters-in-law, Judith Lund, Sharon Lund, and Pam Fuhrmann; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Johnson, parents, Anne and Palmer Lund, brothers, Kenneth Lund, Robert Lund, and Jack Lund; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Lund and Trudy Anderson; brothers-in-law, Richard Anderson and Charles Fuhrmann; and nephews, Jeff Fuhrmann and Jason Anderson.