Stanley Johnson

Stanley Albert Johnson was born February 4, 1924 to Albert and Hilma (Halstrom) Johnson, the seventh child of ten.  He was born in a sod house, the family’s home, south of Brady, Nebraska.  He spent his childhood roaming the hills of Conroy Canyon, and helping his Dad work the farmland between the hills.  After his Father was injured in an accident, the family moved to Brady.  At the age of 14, Stanley’s Father passed away.  All the family worked at what they could to help provide.  Stanley was always proud to say he was the first paper boy in Brady to deliver the Telegraph Bulletin, five days a week, for a penny per paper.  He was also proud of the fact that he and all his siblings graduated from Brady High School.

Stanley enlisted in the US Navy after Pearl Harbor, and attained the rank of Gunner’s Mate (Turrets) GMT First Class on the U.S.S. Coffman DE-191, conducting convoy operations in the North Atlantic throughout the war.  Upon returning from the war to Brady, he met Ethel Henry in North Platte and they were married December 28, 1947.  They lived south of Jeffrey Lake and became turkey ranchers.  Six children were born to them, John, Janice, Cliff, Russ, Karen, and Doug.  He was the Grandfather of eleven and Great Grandfather of eight, soon to be nine.  Stanley enjoyed hunting from a young age, was an avid outdoorsman where he enjoyed hiking, ice skating, and roller blading.

Stanley was a devoted husband and father.  He always had time to gather the kids and go for a swim in the summer, or ice skating and sledding in the winter.  He was a Scout Master for many years as his boys grew up.  He was a Sunday school teacher, and made sure his children were raised in the church.  His character and integrity were demonstrated in the way he lived.  He believed in honoring the flag and country.  He was a member of the Gothenburg V.F.W and Post Commander for several years.  After his beloved wife, Ethel, passed away in July of 2006, he remained active and could be found playing pool at the Gothenburg Senior Center.

He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents and six of his sisters.

Survivors include children, John and wife Robin of Omaha, Janice and husband Art of Holdrege, Cliff of Brady, Russ and wife Jan of Gothenburg, Karen of Buena Vista, Colorado, Doug and wife Linda of Tulsa, OK, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two brothers, George Johnson of Cozad, Arnold Johnson and wife Ruth of Colorado Springs, and one sister, Ilene (Blattner)Johnson of Cozad.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, June 6, 2019, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, June 7, 2019 at 10:00 am with Pastor Jamie Norwich McLennan officiating.

Interment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE.

Memorials may be directed to the Gothenburg Senior Center.