Lorene L. Johnson

A funeral service for Lorene L. Johnson will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Murray Jones officiating. Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m. the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Lorene Lacey Johnson, 98 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege. Lorene was born Southwest of Wood River in Hall County, Nebraska on October 16, 1927, the youngest of six children, born to Walter and Hattie (Williams) Lacey. She received her education from District 57 school and graduated from Shelton High School, with the class of 1943.

Lorene took Normal Training and started teaching when she was just 15 years old. She taught at some rural schools in Nebraska.

On April 25, 1947, she was united in marriage to Harold Leslie Johnson and to this union, three children were born: Larry Duane, Nancy Ann, and Rebecca Sue. The family made their home in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1962, Lorene pursued higher education and received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Omaha, graduating in 1966. Lorene worked for Omaha Public Schools for 18 years, working with various grades in the elementary school. Upon her retirement, Lorene and Harold went to Quito, Ecuador, where they worked for four years at the Alliance Academy, a school for missionary children. At the Academy, she was the Librarian. Upon returning to the United States, the couple then began to make their home in the Holdrege area.

Lorene enjoyed sewing, reading, and, since her retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling in the United States, making it to every state except Alaska, a tour of Europe, and a trip to Israel. She was an active member of Holcomb Evangelical Free Church near Holdrege.

Lorene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold, in 2021; her daughter, Rebecca Opfer; one daughter-in-law, Patti Johnson; one great-granddaughter, Jordan Zickefoose; three brothers: Robert (Gladys) Aldridge; Walter (Reva) Lacey; Donald Lacey; two sisters: Lucille (Robert) Stokke; Louise (William) Cowle.

Lorene is survived by two children: Larry Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska; and Nancy Hansen and her husband, Andy of rural Elm Creek, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; Christina Wiese (Mark Kershaw); Terry (Amy) Hansen; Tiffany Johnson; Kimberly (Ryan) Peterson; Jamie (Tamara) Johnson; Nate (Stephanie) Opfer; Ian (Lexi) Opfer; Matt Opfer; Isaac Opfer; great-grandchildren; and great-great-children; and a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, 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.

A memorial has been established in Lorene's honor, and kindly suggested for later designation.

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.