Johnse Jorge Bushlack, 45, passed away March 16, 2025 due to complications from an abdominal aneurysm while hiking with his family in Petrified Forest National Park. While we grieve his loss, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Christ.
Johnse was born on May 22, 1979, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to George and Judy Bushlack (née Johnson). He is preceded in death by his infant son Samuel Judah Bushlack, his sister Jordona (Bushlack) Sloan, nephew Max David Bushlack, and grandparents Norbert and Victoria Bushlack, Carl and Evalonne Johnson, Melvin Vanderpol. He is survived by his loving wife Lauren, son Micah, daughter Jacey, parents George and Judy Bushlack, siblings Jeremy (Loretta) Bushlack, Johanna (Bryan) Fentress, Josiah (Betsy) Bushlack, brother-in-law David Sloan, parents-in-law Jeff and Sherry Auld, sister-in-law Alexa (David) Kirby, grandparents Bob and Janice Auld, Dorothy Vanderpol and an army of loving extended family and friends.
After graduating from Marion High School in 1997, Johnse went on to earn a degree in Marketing from the University of Northern Iowa. While he was single, he had a dream job working as a fishing guide and manager at Seagull Outfitters in the Boundary Waters. Later, he worked in various capacities at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids.
Above all, Johnse was a devoted husband and dad. He married the love of his life Lauren (Auld) Bushlack, in 2005, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. He was a loving father to Micah, Jacey, and Samuel.
Johnse’s faith in Christ was the foundation of his life. He would start each day with a cup of coffee in his hand and his Bible in his lap. Sunday mornings were the highlight of his week where he would faithfully serve his church family and worship the God he loved.
Johnse was an avid fisherman, birding enthusiast, and amateur pond specialist. He started his YouTube channel, New Nature Adventures, to share his love of God’s creation with his kids and the world. Johnse was a lifelong golfer and his most recent obsession was sharing the sport of archery with his daughter Jacey. Whatever Johnse set his mind to, he did with excellence. He perfected the art of the fish fry, the ideal coffee grind, a smoky Old Fashioned, and a flawless prime rib roast.
Johnse’s life was marked by integrity, loyalty and hospitality. His sense of humor, quick wit, and warm presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love will live on in the many lives he touched.
Celebration of life services will include a visitation, Tuesday, March 25, from 4-7 PM at New Covenant Bible Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Funeral on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:00 PM. There will be a private family burial at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion, Iowa. Memorial contributions will be made at the discretion of the family.
Though we are heartbroken that Johnse is no longer with us, we hold firm to the goodness and wisdom of God and to the promise of Jesus in John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.”