Vernon B. Johnson
Vernon B. Johnson, 100, of Fairbury passed away on Wednesday evening, August 21 at JCHL Gardenside in Fairbury. Vernon was born in Oakland, NE on March 4, 1919 to Gustav and Ida (Nelson) Johnson. He was one of eight children, and grew up in and around Oakland, NE. When he was 11 years old, he went to live with his Uncle Oscar and Aunt Clara (Nelson) Anderson, and worked on their dairy farm until he was 22 years old. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1938, and married his high school sweetheart, Elaine in 1941. Vernon enlisted in the US Navy in 1941 and served his country during WWII from 1942-1945 in the South Pacific. He holds the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with four battle stars for action at Bougainville, Guam, Sipan and Okinawa. He also holds the Phillipine Liberation ribbon with a battle star for action at Leyte. Vernon received an honorable discharge with the rank of Electrician’s Mate, First Class (t) V 6.
Vernon and Elaine moved to Fairbury, NE after the war in November 1945, and he worked as an electrician for Stull Electric. On Mr. Stull’s death in 1956, he purchased the business and operated Johnson Electric in Fairbury for over 50 years. In later years, he was often known locally as “Old Lonely, the Maytag Repairman”.
Vernon and Elaine celebrated 72 years of marriage before her passing in 2013.
Vernon was a member of First Christian Church in Fairbury, serving as past deacon, elder and chairman of the board. Vernon loved his church family, and attended church every week.
Vernon always took an interest in his children, serving with them in scouting, youth groups and watching them in school and band activities. He set an example for them by his good work ethic, and they owe much of their success in their careers to his positive encouraging attitude that no work was beneath you. Education was important to Vernon, and he worked hard to help provide a college education for each of his children.
Vernon was a member of the Fairbury Lion’s Club, serving as past president. He was a member of the Elks, VWF and American Legion. Vernon was an active and supporting member of the Fairbury community, often donating time and financial resources. He loved attending school and sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and community concerts in Fairbury.
Vernon lived alone the past six years since his wife Elaine’s death in December of 2013. He regularly attended Senior Diners and looked forward to being with his peers. In December of 2018, following a hip replacement, he moved to Cedarwood at JCHL in Fairbury. He celebrated his 100th Birthday on March 4 with the Senior Diners and Cedarwood residents. Vernon enjoyed his new relationships, and spoke highly of the staff at Cedarwood who treated him with such care.
Vernon was selected by the Jefferson County Commissioners in May of this year as Veteran of the Month.
He is survived by his three children, Gene (Jackie) of Beatrice, Jerrill (Deb) of Elkhorn, and Joan of David City. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Justin (Maggie) Johnson of Hebron; Jarod (Kate) Johnson of Chicago; Nate (Tara) Johnson of Chicago; Carrie (Dave) Bushnell of Seattle, WA; Brice ( Emily) Volker of Auburn; Stephanie Estes of Fairbury; and Colin (Samantha) Volker of Pawnee City; 13 great-grandchildren: David and Nell Johnson of Hebron; Claire and Rowan Johnson of Chicago; Caroline Johnson of Chicago; Caleb and Tessa Bushnell of Seattle; Jeromy and Jacob Henry, and Genesis Estes of Fairbury and Alex Carpenter of Cortland; and Gabe Platt and Natyli Volker of Pawnee City; nieces, nephews, and friends. Vernon was a friend to everyone, helped anyone in need and saw the good in all people.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and three sisters.
Family will receive friends on Monday evening, August 26 at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. His memorial service will be on Tuesday, August 27 at 10:30 am at First Christian Church in Fairbury, with Pastor Darlene Novotny officiating. A luncheon will follow at 11:30. Graveside services and burial will be at 4:00 pm in the Salem Covenant Church Cemetery in rural Oakland, NE., with Pastor Alan Monson officiating. Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church of Fairbury or AseraCare. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com