Ernest P Johnson

A funeral service for Ernest P. Johnson will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Sarah Fisher officiating. Interment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, with military honors.

Ernest Paul "Ernie" Johnson, 86 years of age, of rural Bertrand, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Christian Homes Care Community, at Holdrege. Ernie was born in Holdrege on September 5, 1938, the second of two children, born to George and Helen (Schreiter) Johnson. He received his education from Loomis Public Schools and later attended and graduated from Loomis High School, with the class of 1955.

On December 16, 1961, Ernie was inducted into the United States Army at Fort Hood, Texas.  He was a decorated Sharpshooter and Marksmen, and was honorably discharged on September 16, 1963.

On September 12, 1970, Ernie was united in marriage to Phyllis Beiriger at All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, and to this union, two children were born: J.P. and Cathy. The couple made their home on a farm south of Loomis, where Ernie farmed up to his retirement.

Ernie enjoyed flying locally with his private pilot's license.

He was a member of the Bertrand Veterans Organization and also served on the Loomis School Board.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents; his son, J.P. Johnson in 2011; and his sister, Darlene Fetters in 2024.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Phyllis Johnson of rural Bertrand; daughter, Cathy Watson and her husband, Brett of Lexington, Nebraska; three grandchildren:  Payton, Emmett, and Logan Watson; brothers-in-law, Floyd Fetters of Holdrege; Don Beiriger and his wife, Pat of Norfolk, Nebraska; and John Beiriger and his wife, Linda of Hastings, Nebraska; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 4:00 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.

A memorial has been established in Ernie's honor, and kindly suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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.