Gene Johnson

Gene E Johnson, 92, of Gothenburg, died March 24, 2021 at Stone Hearth Estates, Gothenburg, NE.

Gene was born August 3, 1928 at the Farnam Hospital, son of Phillip and Elnora Johnson.  His dad, Phillip was a farmer and his mother, Elnora was a housewife.  Gene was the baby of the family with two older brothers and one older sister.  When asked what he did to help on the farm, he commented "everything".  He said they milked four to seven cows by hand twice a day.  By the age of 14 he was running the rake for his dad, as they had a thrashing machine. He said they were dry land farmers and had some tough years. School was a mile and a half away, which he walked every day.  He went to Curtis High School and graduated in 1945.

In 1950, Gene was drafted into the Army. When Gene was discharged, he came back to Farnam. Gene married Carole Adams on August 21, 1955 at Eustis, NE.  He bought his first semi and built his trucking business up to 13 trucks with 19 drivers.  He was farming as well.  To say he was a busy guy, was an understatement. Gene had another business which was custom harvesting.  By 1962 they had 12 combines and would travel to Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and then end up into the Dakotas. Gene commented that Carole would cook for 19 men out a of a small camper trailer.  They harvested  for 46 years together.  Gene said with the different businesses he had, he always had great help, especially Carole.They moved a few times and settled in Gothenburg  in 1981 and farmed until 2018.

Survivors include daughter, Roxanne (Luke) Ritz of Gothenburg, NE; daughter-in-law, Tami Johnson,  four grandsons, Tanner (Mandy) Schwanz, Kyle Johnson, Tyson Schwanz, and Skyler Schwanz; two granddaughters,  Siera (Trevor) Reimnitz, Abby Johnson, sister-in-law Lorretta (Bruce) Barrett; brother-in-law, Neil (Lori) Adams;  along with many extended family and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Carole M. Johnson of 50 years, son, Brock Shane Johnson, father, Phillip Johnson, mother, Elnora Johnson, brothers, Clarence Johnson and Ray Johnson, sister, Dorothy Janus, father in law, Ike Adams, mother-in-law, Lola Adams, sisters-in-law, Ruth Johnson, Beverly Johnson, and brother-in-law, Butch Janus.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Monday, March 29, 2021, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm, family will be present from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church,  Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 10:30 am with Pastor Grace Gichuru officiating.

Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Honor Guard.