Dick Johnson

Funeral Services for H. Richard "Dick" Johnson will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Reverend Dr. W. Kirwin Stewart, Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, with military honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Harold Richard "Dick" Johnson, 80 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away at his home on Monday, March 13, 2017.  Dick was born April 3, 1936, in Holdrege, the fourth of five children born to Fred L. and Ellen G. (Youngquist) Johnson.  He attended District #19 rural school in Phelps County for five years, then completed his primary education in the Holdrege Public School system.  Dick graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1953 and then pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Ag School.

On March 24, 1955, Dick was inducted into the United States Army and served his country overseas in Korea with the tank division until his honorable discharge on January 11, 1957.  He continued to serve in the United States Army Reserve until 1963.

In August of 1957, Dick was united in marriage to Janice (Fulcher) Fandry.  Dick lovingly accepted Janice's two children: Micki and Roger into his life.  In the coming years, two additional children were born to this union:  Kyle and Jeffrey.

On May 22, 1982, Dick was united in marriage to Verlyn J. (Pedersen) Fahrenbruch and the two families became one.  Dick and Verlyn treasured the time together with their families.

Dick began farming in 1957, until his semi-retirement in the 1980's.  He then began to work for Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District as an Irrigation Service Specialist until his full retirement in 2000.

Dick was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an usher for many years and past member of the church session. Dick was also a member of Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 and held past memberships in the Eagles and Elks clubs.  In retirement years, Dick also enjoyed volunteering at the Phelps County Community Pantry and with Meals-On-Wheels.  He loved sports, especially bowling and Nebraska Football.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Roger Fandry Johnson; one brother, Robert D. Johnson; sisters-in-law:  Marvel Johnson and D.K. Johnson; and brother-in-law, Dale Carlson.

Dick leaves to celebrate his life:  his wife, Verlyn Johnson of Holdrege; his children:  Micki Gehrig and her husband, Roger of Alma, Nebraska, Kyle Johnson and his wife, Marti of Atlanta, Nebraska and Jeff Johnson and his wife, Rae Lynn "Tink" Johnson of Amherst, Nebraska; four step-children:  Janelle Fricke and her husband, Keith of Hayes, Virginia, Brad Fahrenbruch and his wife, Tammy of Holdrege, Brian Fahrenbruch and his wife, Karen of McCook, Nebraska, and Jayne Hoban and her husband, Patrick of Heartwell, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters:  Beverly Carlson of Minden, Nebraska and Sharon Davis of Littleton, Colorado; one brother, Charles "Chuck" Johnson of Holdrege; sister-in-law, Joyce Johnson of Janesville, Wisconsin; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Dick's honor and kindly suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or ruralMed Home Care of Holdrege.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.