Elaine Dorthea Johnson

Elaine Johnson of Fairbury, Nebraska, loving wife to Vernon B. Johnson for 72 years, passed away on Monday, December 23 at the Heritage of Fairbury. She was born on December 10, 1920 near West Point, Nebraska to David R. and Dora (Hansen) Goranson. She attended rural schools near West Point, and graduated from Oakland High School with Vernon in 1938. Elaine was married to Vernon Johnson at the Salem Covenant Church Parsonage.

After living in California during Vernon’s 4 years in the Navy in WWII, Elaine and Vernon settled in Fairbury, Nebraska where they made their home for the past 68 years. Elaine and Vernon were parents to three children, Gene, Jerry, and Jody. Elaine was active in the First Christian Church of Fairbury, serving on several functional committees, as a Sunday School teacher, deaconess, and as a member of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. Elaine loved her church family, and raised her children in the church.

She served as a Cub Scout Den mother, PTA, and was active in her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities. She enjoyed working in the community and was always doing things for other people. Across the years, Elaine served as an officer in the Lioness’ Club, worked with the Chamber of Commerce and participated in community activities. She received the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award in 1994. She loved to write poetry, travel, and attend musical events and programs with her family.

Elaine is survived by her husband Vernon of 72 years; son; Gene and wife Jackie of Beatrice, Ne., son; Jerry and wife Deb of Omaha, Ne., and daughter; Jody of David City, Ne. She is also survived by grandson Justin Johnson and wife Maggie and great –grandchildren David and Nell of Hebron, Ne. Grandson Jarod Johnson and wife Kate of Chicago, Ill., grandson; Nate Johnson of Chicago, Ill., granddaughter Carrie and husband Dave Bushnell of Seattle, Wa. Grandson Brice Volker and wife Emily of Auburn, Ne. Granddaughter Stephanie Estes and husband Gabriel, and great-grandchildren Jeromy, Jacob and Genesis of Manhattan, Ks., Colin Volker and special friend Courtney Metcalf of Lincoln, Ne.

Services will be held at the First Christian Church of Fairbury on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Gail Cross officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at Salem Covenant Church Cemetery near Oakland, Nebraska at 4:00 p.m. The family will greet friends Thursday evening December 26, 2013 at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.