Gilbert E. Johnson

Gilbert Edward Johnson, son of Edward H.D. and Meta (Rehmstedt) Johnson, was born July 22, 1926. He was one of three children born to the couple.

He was baptized at St. James Lutheran Church on August 22, 1926 and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church February 11, 1940 by Rev. H. Brokering.

On May 11, 1951, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Gerdes at St. John’s Lutheran (Stone) Church. Three children were born to this union: Jacquelyn, Patricia, and Brent.

He was inducted into the Army and served his country in Korea on January 17, 1951 and was given an Honorable discharge on October 16, 1952. After his return home he worked for Elmer Frerichs on his farm. Later, he bought his own farm, where he worked until retirement. He drove a school bus for Bratton Union and Southeast Nebraska Consolidated School. Gilbert also served on the Board of Education at Bratton Union.

Gilbert drove a rock truck for Rohrs and Parker. He also managed quarries for Martin Marietta. Gilbert loved working his land as well as tending to his livestock. A love of Gilbert and Bonnie Johnson was going to dances. Gilbert and Bonnie belonged to a square dance club where they enjoyed dancing.

Another of his passions was watching his children and grandchildren play volleyball, football, basketball, baseball and track. He would travel to their games in all kinds of weather to watch them play. If Gilbert was not at a game, he could be found watching a game on TV or listening to the radio. He loved Nebraska football and basketball.

After he had his children and grandchildren done with bean walking or putting up hay, they would head to Harlan County Dam in the summer for fishing trips. Family and neighbors would enjoy fish fries out at Harlan County Dam.

Gilbert served his church in various capacities. He served several times on the church council and the St. John Cemetery Board.

After suffering a stroke, Gilbert was admitted to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. It was there he passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at the age of 90 years, 7 months, and 22 days.

Gilbert Johnson is survived by daughters Jacquelyn and husband Steve Kelsay, Patricia Johnson, and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Johnson and sister-in-law Betty Johnson of Salina, Kansas. His five grandchildren are Chad Kelsay and wife Carie, Chris Kelsay and wife Natalie, Bristol Wenzl and husband Matt, Angela McCubbin and husband Jereme Peppers, and Chelsea Johnson. Great-grandchildren are Payton McCubbin, Tennyson and Jameson Kelsay, Harper, Avery, and Rhett Kelsay, Brenton and Ainslee Wenzl, and Pryce and Tinley Peppers.

Gilbert Johnson was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, son, Brent, brother Delbert Johnson, sister and brother-in-law Darlene and Henry Lee Rohrs.

A funeral service will be Monday, March 20, 3:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran (Stone) Church near Auburn. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday noon to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 1:00 to 3:00.

Memorials are suggested to Good Samaritan Society, Nemaha County Hospital, or St. John Lutheran Cemetery.