Howard E. Johnson

Howard Edwin Johnson was born to Edwin and Flossie (Plautz) Johnson on October 10, 1938, at the family home west of Shickley. He passed away February 7, 2025, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, at the age of 86 years. He was the second of four children in his family, which included his siblings Stanley, Karen, and Darrel. He was baptized and confirmed at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Ong, and remained steadfast in his faith while being an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport for 60 years. His family moved to the farm just north of Shickley in his early years, and he spent his childhood riding horses, helping his parents on the farm, and getting into all sorts of mischief with his brothers, cousins, and friends. He graduated from Shickley Public School with the class of 1956, then Luther College in Wahoo, earning an associates degree in Agriculture. He then proudly returned to the family farm to care for the land, raise livestock, and sell Pioneer seed corn with his Dad. He met Deanna Woodside when she was hired as an elementary teacher at Shickley Public School. They married November 18, 1962, and spent just about every day together for over 62 years. Howard and Dee loved caring for their home, their pets, square dancing, and always supporting the Huskers. Even in their later life they enjoyed spontaneous road trips in their Corvette or Envoy to see different parts of our country. To them two children were born – Michele Diane and Kevin Howard. He loved his family with all his heart, and taught them to value education, hard work, and strong ethics. His grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life. All three have the best memories of spending many days and nights at Grandpa and Grandma’s, driving around in the country in his pickup, and knowing their grandparents supported them by attending just about every event they participated in. He was a shining example to his grandkids to live life to the fullest. His constant refrain was “When are we getting together with all the grandkids?” He valued community service, and lived this by serving on his church council, the Bryant Township board, the Swedish Cemetery Association, and Fillmore County Hospital board. He was also a frequent blood donor for the American Red Cross. Throughout his life, he always remained committed to his rural community and the town of Shickley. Howard always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. He loved to visit with others and enjoyed teasing his grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Fast cars, ten point pitch, Dentyne gum in his shirt pocket, Swedish traditions of Lutefisk and Ostkaka, and strawberry ice cream with Oreos were some of his favorites. In 2023, failing health forced a move to Tabitha in Lincoln, but he never quit yearning to return to his home in Shickley, and be back on the farm. He will be laid to rest at the Swedish Cemetery, one half mile from the place of his birth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Flossie Johnson; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rose Mary Smith, James Smith, and Everett Roop; nephews Craig Flathman, Darrel Smith, Greg Teachman and great-nephew Brandon Emmons. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Deanna Johnson at Martha House, Lincoln, daughter Michele Johnson-Clouse and husband David Clouse of Lincoln, son Kevin Johnson and wife Michele Johnson of North Platte, and grandchildren Jaxon Clouse of Lincoln, Mackenzie Clouse and fiance Joseph Baratta of Omaha, and Megan Johnson and partner Kyle Raasch of Denman; his siblings, Stanley and Suzann Johnson, Karen and Dennis Jennings, and Darrel and Deborah Johnson; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Karen Teachman, Wayne and Lynn Woodside, Lorraine and Larry Effenbeck, Cathy Roop, Linda and Wayne Flathman, and Jennifer and Larry Johnson; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. A Funeral Service for Howard was held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport, Nebraska with Pastor Beth Roegner presiding. There were 3 hymns for Howard’s service, 2 being congregational hymns, “Nearer My God To Thee” and Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and 1 being a solo by Reverend Don Hunzeker. All of the hymns were accompanied by organist, Deb Pohlmann. Casket Bearers included Jaxon Clause, Wayne Flathman, John Mick, Dirk Johnson, Larry Johnson and Doug Straight. Graveside Services were conducted following the Funeral Service at the Swedish Cemetery in rural Shickley, Nebraska. Memorials were directed to Christ Lutheran Church or the Shickley Community Foundation.

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Howard E. Johnson

October 10, 1938 - February 7, 2025