Royce Lars Johnson

Funeral Services for Royce L. Johnson will be conducted from the Evangelical Free Church in Loomis, Nebraska on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Tom Thompson and Mr. Wayne Carlson, officiating. Interment will be in the Moses Hill Cemetery in rural Phelps County, Nebraska.

Royce Lars Johnson, 79 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Royce was born on October 28, 1931 in Loomis, the youngest of five children born to Walter L. and Esther (Larson) Johnson. Royce received his education through the third grade from the Loomis Public Schools and then continued his education at home with his mother. In 2010 he became an honorary graduate of the Loomis Class of 1955.

Royce continued to make his home in Loomis, where he worked as a farmhand for various farmers for many years, and later worked at the recycling center in Holdrege. He also enjoyed his involvement with Mosaic as part of the lawn crew. On January 1, 2000, Royce began to make his home at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.

Music was a big part of Royce's life. As a member of the Loomis Evangelical Free Church he served as an organist and pianist for services. He would also fill-in at other churches in the area. A highlight of his life was being able to play the pipe organ at Bethel. Most recently, Royce enjoyed playing the prelude music for Sunday services at the Christian Homes Chapel.

His free time centered around the Loomis sporting events, he loved attending and supporting the Loomis Wolves. Royce also enjoyed the activities at Christian Homes, especially playing Bingo. He also enjoyed fishing and camping.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers: Ralph W. Johnson and his wife, Mary and Roger D. Johnson; one sister, Rachel Miserentino and her husband, Joe; nephew, Joseph Miserentino; and niece, Jean Dill and her husband, Harold.

He leaves to mourn his passing his sister, Carolyn McElvain and her husband, Bill of Kearney, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Dorothy A. Johnson of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in his memory and kindly suggested to the Loomis Evangelical Free Church or the Christian Homes Chapel 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.