Betty L. (Brigham) Johnson

Betty L. Johnson died peacefully in Omaha, NE on December 23, 2022. She was born on August 18, 1921, in Shelby, Nebraska to Lynn and Mattie (Smith) Brigham. Betty attended country school near her parent’s farm home in Polk County and attended high school in Shelby.

Following her graduation from high school she worked for several years as a country school teacher. She thoroughly enjoyed this experience and from all accounts was an excellent teacher. When World War II began, she went to work at the Mead, Nebraska munitions ordinance plant. She lived in a boarding house in Fremont with a group of young women during this time. This group of women forged a strong relationship and developed life-long friendships.

Following the end of the War, Betty married the love of her life, Warren E. Johnson on January 1, 1946, upon his discharge from the Army. Warren had jobs with banks in Osceola and Shelby before accepting a job with the Stromsburg Bank. They moved to Stromsburg in 1949 and would spend the next 61 years in Stromsburg. The Salem Lutheran Church became a big part of their lives. Betty served on the Church Council, taught Sunday School for many years, and was active in the Lutheran Church Women and Circle organization. She also belonged to and served as a leader of many other organizations including P.E.O., Project Club, Women’s Club, Kensington and American Legion Auxiliary. She was very active in efforts to improve the City and was a volunteer at the Res Q Shoppe for 30 years. In 1971 Warren and Betty were the first couple to be honored as King and Queen of the Swedish Festival in recognition of their many contributions to the Stromsburg community.

Betty’s first priority was always her family. She faithfully attended and cheered for her three sons at hundreds of baseball and basketball games and was also a huge Husker football and basketball fan. Betty and Warren loved to travel and had the opportunity to explore 22 foreign countries during their trips. Betty loved her flower gardens and her yard was filled with color spring, summer and fall.

Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, grandson Erik and granddaughter Alexa.

Survivors include her sons, Larry (Irene) Omaha, NE; Royce (Marilyn) Los Gatos, CA; Wayne (Lindy) Brentwood, CA; grandchildren: Nathan (Paige), CA; Katie Fitzpatrick CA; Adam, NE; Reed (Jessica), CA; Grant (Kelly), CA; Mark (Emily), NE; fourteen beloved great grandchildren; three nieces and a nephew.

Services celebrating Betty’s very full life will be Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Salem Lutheran Church in Stromsburg with Pastor Brenda Pfeifly officiating. Visitation with the family will be an hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the Stromsburg Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Salem Lutheran Church or the Stromsburg Public Library Foundation.

Dubas Funeral Home of Stromsburg and Osceola has been entrusted with arrangements.

Dubasfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty L. (Brigham) Johnson, please visit our floral store.