Walter B. Johnson

Funeral services for Walter B. Johnson, 94, of O'Neill, will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Nov. 22, at the First Presbyterian Church in O'Neill. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Page American Legion Post #315.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Biglin's Mortuary.

Walter died on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at the Arbor Care Center in Neligh. Arrangements are under the direction of Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

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Walter Bruce Johnson was born on May 20, 1930, in Walnut, to Bruce and Clara (Miller) Johnson. Growing up, the family lived on a farm near Walnut, and Walter attended the Lutheran Church at Venus, and later, the Dorsey Church. He was a life time member of the Presbyterian Church in O'Neill where he served as an elder and on the board of trustees. He attended Osborn District School #57 near Walnut before graduating from O'Neill High School in 1948.

Walter enlisted into the United States Army in 1952. He did his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, before fighting in 180th infantry regiment during the Korean War. He was awarded a Purple Heart, two battle stars and an infantry badge. He moved back home where he was a 50-year member and past commander of the Page American Legion #315 and V.F.W. He also was a member of the Disabled Veterans and spent many years on the firing squad.

Walter met Dorothy Howard at a dance in Verdigre and they later married on May 22, 1952, in Orchard. To this union, four daughters were born; Linda, Debra, Diane, and Janet. They moved to the farm north of Page in 1956, where they farmed and raised their family until retiring and moving to O'Neill in 2001.

Walter's great loves were his girls, feeding cattle and farming. He took great interest in the cattle and corn markets and loved going to cattle auctions. He saw numerous changes in agriculture throughout his lifetime, going from farming with horses to computerized tractors. He always embraced change and making things better. When faced with adversity, whether it was health issues or weather challenges with farming, he always believed that God would take care of him and his family.

In later years he welcomed and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Walter is survived by his four daughters, Linda Duncan of Wellsburg, West Virginia, Debra (Brian) Stevens of Page, Diane (Curt) Gotschall of Atkinson, and Janet (Jeff Bauer) Johnson of Norfolk; 10 grandchildren, Clesta Stevens, Jeremy (Heidi) Stevens, Paige (Wyatt) Boettcher, Chareen (Ryan) Church, Megan (Tyler) Butterfield, Trevor (Tiffany) Gotschall, Jon (Cary) Gotschall, Marie (Robert) Bombeck, Anna Bauer (Coleman Jackson), and Kaitlyn (Colton) Anderson; 17 great grandchildren; brother, Clayton Johnson of O'Neill; brother in-law, Don Calkins of Lincoln; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents; wife, Dorothy Johnson; son-in-law, Robert Duncan; sister, Claryce Calkins, and great-grandson, Brixton Taylor.