Millard L. Johnson

Funeral Services for Millard L. Johnson will be conducted from the Holcomb Evangelical Free Church, north of Holdrege, Nebraska on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Todd Marcy officiating. Interment will be in the Sandstrom Cemetery in Phelps County, Nebraska.

Millard Lesan Johnson, 88 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the Christian Homes Care Community at Holdrege. Millard was born on the family farm in the Williamsburg Community on October 17, 1922, the eldest of four children of Sigval and Gladys (Lesan) Johnson. His siblings were Ruth, Merlyn, and Verla.

He received his primary education from a one-room school in northern Phelps County and then attended the Shelton Academy, which later became the Platte Valley Academy, graduating in 1942.

As he was growing up he enjoyed his involvement in 4-H, raising livestock, showing at the County Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben. He also loved to work with horses. After graduation, Millard engaged in farming with his father and also raised cattle and sheep.

On April 29, 1956 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Isaacson at the Westmark Evangelical Free Church, north of Loomis, Nebraska. To this union two children were born: a daughter, Nancy Beth and a son, Arlan Dean. The family continued to make their home in the Williamsburg Community, where Millard farmed and raised Polled Hereford Cattle and sheep. He enjoyed the labor of the land and related work such as hay bailing, harvesting, trucking and veterinary work. For a period of time he was also employed by Biehl Cattle Company of Lexington, Nebraska transporting cattle.

In November of 2005, Millard retired and moved to Erlandson's Square in Holdrege.

He attended the Holcomb Evangelical Free Church with his family. Millard especially enjoyed music, participating in the church choir and music programs. He loved children and enjoyed the friendship bonds formed with young folk and attending their activities.

Millard was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Visits with his children and grandchildren were special times in his life. He also enjoyed visiting and being together with neighbors and friends for coffee.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of Holdrege; daughter, Nancy Allen and her husband, Stan of Lincoln, Nebraska; son, Arlan Johnson and his wife, Kori of St. Paul, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; two sisters: Ruth Rankin and Verla Stenbergh and her husband, Rodger all of Lincoln; two brothers-in-law: Delford Isaacson of Holdrege and Dale Isaacson of Elm Creek, Nebraska; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, Millard was preceded in death by a brother, Merlyn Johnson; brother-in-law, Bill Rankin; and sisters-in-law: Betty and Ella Mae Isaacson.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Millard's memory and kindly suggested to the donor's choice.

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.