Dorothy Jean Johnson

Dorothy J. Johnson

May 25, 1928 - Aug 29, 2016

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Dorothy J. Johnson, age 88, passed away peacefully on Aug 29, 2016, at The Monarch in Lincoln.

She was born May 25, 1928, in Polk, Neb., to Gustav Emil and Helen (Erikson) Ehn and was the youngest of five children. She was confirmed in the Evangelical Free Church as a youth. She graduated from Polk High in 1945.

Growing up during the Depression and into adulthood after World War II, she met and fell in love with Navy veteran, Chester J. Johnson. They were married in 1950 in Grand Island, Neb. Dorothy and Chet moved to California in 1956, where Chet worked at Setterburg Jewelry. Some of their favorite pastimes were square dancing and camping.

She spent a number of years as a Girl Scout leader. She was a dedicated mother to their three children, Sandra, Craig and Pamela. In 1968, they bought a jewelry store in McCook, Nebraska. They owned and operated Johnson's Jewelry until their retirement in 1993. They had many enjoyable times with family and friends boating and fishing at Red Willow Lake.

She was a member of the McCook Methodist Church. In her retirement years, she found enjoyment in numerous church activities, including the singles group. She moved to Lincoln in 2014 where she enjoyed being near family and lived there until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years; her parents; 11 brothers and sisters, including half brothers and sisters; and grandson, Levi Doss.

She is survived by her children, Sandy (David) Doss, Craig (Ruth) Johnson, Pam (Dave) Ross; five grandchildren, Aaron Ross, Emily Ross, Anna (Kevin) Barnhurst, Ryan Doss, Nathan (Wanda) Johnson; and three great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren, Seth (Sonya) Miller, Jared (Katie) Miller, John (Christin) Miller, Ashley Miller; and four step great-grandchildren; and sister, Rose Kuck. Dorothy's gentle, thoughtful spirit will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.herrmannfh.com

Funeral services will be Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, 2 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Rev. Jeff Kelley officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.