LaVern L. Johnson

LaVern L. Johnson, 70 of Beatrice, NE died Friday, April 6, 2018 at the Beatrice Community Hospital. He was born June 3, 1947 in Beatrice. He lived with his grandparents from 14 until he graduated from Beatrice High School in 1966. LaVern was a baker for the Burwood café and the Rancho Drive in Beatrice. He married Anita Lillie on November 11, 1972 in Beatrice. For several years they ran Country Cookin in Beatrice and BJ’s Café in Wymore. He then worked for StoreKraft MFG. for 40 years. LaVern was a foster parent for 10 years and had over 50 kids. He enjoyed going to the Casino, calling bingo at the VFW, his dog April; beloved cat Sam, and gardening flowers, especially gladiolus. LaVern served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, later he was a member of the National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve for 23 years.

Survivors include his wife, Anita of Beatrice; foster son Ryan Zahm of Beatrice; foster-grandson, Michael Brooks; brothers, Galen Johnson and wife Marlene of Beatrice, Roger Johnson of St. Paul, MN; sister, Shirley Johnson of Beatrice; aunt, Helen Milius of Beatrice; brother-in-law, Bill Lillie and wife Judy of Beatrice; nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Fern (Paben) Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Harman-Wright Mortuary Chapel, Beatrice with Jon Palmquist officiating. Interment with Military Rites, by the Bitting-Norman American Legion and the National Guard Honor Guard will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery, Beatrice. Visitation will be held from noon to 8:00 P.M., Monday, at the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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