Eldean J. Johnson

A funeral service for Eldean J. Johnson will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Adullam Lutheran Church near Bertrand, Nebraska with Pastor John Strackbein officiating. Interment will follow at the Adullam Cemetery near Bertrand.

Eldean Jerome "Zeke" Johnson, 85 years of age, of Bertrand, passed away, on February 28, 2023, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, Nebraska. Eldean was born in Holdrege, Nebraska on November 6, 1937, the third of four boys, born to Julius and Hazel (Bergman) Johnson. He received his education from the Bertrand Public Schools and graduated from Bertrand High School. He pursued higher education in Wahoo, Nebraska.

Following his education, Eldean came back to continue working on the farm and took over the farming operation when his father passed away in 1968. While he was farming, he also sold Archer Oil and seed for Keltgen and later Mycogen.

On September 4, 1960, Eldean was united in marriage to Mary Lou Kufeldt at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska, and to this union, four children were born: Elizabeth, Scott, Kathleen, and Steven. The couple made their home on the family farm north of Bertrand.

Eldean enjoyed Nebraska Cornhusker Athletics, bowling, baseball, softball, umpiring, coaching, pinochle, gardening, and going to casinos. His favorite vacation spot was Hawaii, and on one of his last trips, he was able to share his love of Hawaii with his family. He was always happy to support Bertrand Viking Athletics.

He was a lifelong member of the Adullam Lutheran Church, where he was the church custodian for many years. He served as a board member for the Bertrand Public School, Adullam Lutheran Church, Agri Cooperative, and CHS.

Eldean was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one grandson, Jeremiah Ford; three brothers: DeVern Johnson; Verlyn Johnson; and Donnell Johnson; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and one nephew.

Eldean is survived by his four children: Elizabeth Ford and her husband, John; Scott Johnson and his wife, Marcyne; Kathleen Moseley and her husband, Vaughn; Steven Johnson and his wife, Kris; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Judy Johnson; Malda Johnson; one brother-in-law, Jay Kufeldt, and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Eldean's honor, and kindly suggested to the family to put toward memorial benches at the church and the Bertrand High School or to the Bertrand Area Community Fund.

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 the arrangements.