Bruce E. Johnson

Bruce Elwin Johnson, born on January 28, 1936, in the Marshall house south of Johnstown, NE, peacefully passed away on November 28th 2023. He was born seven minutes after his twin brother Brent to Earl and Edith (Greene) Johnson. Bruce spent his early years on the Tinkham place near Plum Creek, moving to a farm near the Ainsworth Airport at the age of three.
He attended a one-room school north of his home and later graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1954. Following graduation, Bruce farmed with his father and brother Brent for two years before joining the Army on March 9, 1956. He served 16 months in Germany with the Heavy Weapons Infantry, and received an Honorable Discharge on February 5, 1958, with distinctions in Rifle, Pistol, Carbine, and the Good Conduct Medal.
Upon returning from the service, Bruce resumed farming with his brother Brent and his father until their father's retirement. After their father’s retirement, they farmed with Henry Miles. While under Henry’s tutelage, they learned about feeding cattle. Later in the early 70’s, Bruce and Brent formed a successful partnership, engaging in farming, cattle feeding, seed corn sales, and commercial trucking of grain and livestock for 45 years. In 2003, the twins divided their partnership, and Bruce continued farming for a few more years.
On April 25, 1959, Bruce married Jeane Johnson in Valentine, NE, celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary on April 25, 2023. The couple was blessed with three daughters, Angela (Angie), Amy, and April.
Bruce was a devoted community steward, contributing his time to various boards, including the Brown County Ag Society, Farmers Ranchers Coop, Johnstown School, and multiple Methodist Church Boards. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the American Legion #79 Honor Guard, and the Elks Lodge, serving as a Past Exalted Ruler. Bruce also played a significant role in supporting the E&L baseball program, coaching not only his grandsons but many others throughout the years. His commitment to community service and love for farming will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Edith Johnson; three brothers, Wayne, Err and Brent Johnson; three sisters, Susan Haskell, Louise Martin and June Barker-Biggs; brothers-in-law, Gene Haskell, Dynie Martin, Bob Barker and Jack Biggs and sisters-in-law, Ardis Johnson and Vivien Johnson.
Bruce is survived by his wife Jeane of Ainsworth; three daughters, Angie (Tom) Keenan of Palisade, CO and their children, Amber and husband, Jesse and grandchildren, Eli and Everett, Holden and wife Ashtyn and grandchildren, Lauren, Brystal and Bohdie; daughter, Amy (Jim) Dougherty of Ainsworth and their children, Ryan and wife, Tiffany and grandchildren, Ayden and Mason, Chance and grandchildren, Paris, Miles and Easton, Grayson and wife, Sawyer and grandchildren, Trace and Landon; daughter, April (Joey) Finley of Ainsworth and their children, Riggin, Bronc, Colt, Cheyan, Josh, Jeremiah and Jacob; sister-in-law Karen Johnson of Johnstown, along with many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth, officiated by Pastor Mike Eurit. The congregational hymns of “Old Rugged Cross”, “How Great Thou Art” and “God Be With You Til We Meet Again” were accompanied by Sherry Campbell. The CD selections, “Sweet Holy Spirit” by The Isaacs and “Don’t Worry About Me” by Marty Robbins were played. Casketbearers were: Ryan Fiala, Chance Fiala, Grayson Fiala, Riggin Temple, Bronc Temple, Colt Temple and Holden Zeunen. Honorary Casketbearers were: Granddaughters, Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and the Miles & Jackman Families. Elks Rites were conducted by Ainsworth Elks Lodge #1790. Interment followed in the Ainsworth Cemetery with military honors by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79. Memorials were suggested to the E&L Baseball Program, the Ainsworth United Methodist Church or to the family in Bruce’s name for a later designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com .