Keith Johnson 1918-2005

JOHNSON, GRAMM

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 5/1/2009 at 19:26:21

Keith Johnson
October 7, 1918-March 2, 2005

Keith W. Johnson, age 86 of Mapleton, died Wednesday, March 2, 2005, in Mapleton.

Services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5 at the Rodney United Church of Christ with Pastor Karen Handke officiating. Burial was in Grant Cemetery, Rodney. Ardith Armour was the organist for the service and Myron Armour was the soloist. He sang, "Beyond The Sunset" and "Going Down The Valley". Congregational hymn was "In The Garden". A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 4 at the Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton.

Keith W. Johnson was born October 7, 1918, in Homer, Nebraska. He graduated from Homer High School at age 16 and attended Wayne State College where he graduated with a B.A. While in college he met his one true love, Nina Gramm. They were married July 31st, 1941. Keith taught at Brunswick, Nebraska before being drafted into the Army in 1942. He was stationed at Cheyenne, Wyoming and at Honolulu, Hawaii. After being discharged in December 1945, Keith farmed and later also taught high school algebra, physics, and chemistry at Smithland and Physical Education in the Westwood School District. He had a life long love for farming and continued to farm until 1998 when Parkinson's disease made it impossible for him to continue.

Keith had a passion for sports. He loved baseball, basketball, and wrestling and would amaze anyone with his ability to quote statistics from past years. He coached Smithland Little League baseball teams for 26 years and pitched thousands of baseballs to over hundreds of kids. As important as teaching the rules of the game, Keith instilled morals and values and brought out the best in each child. Keith's insatiable curiosity and love of reading gave him a wealth of knowledge on a variety of subjects. He could carry on a discussion with people young and old. Family members always wanted Keith on their side for trivia.

The last few months, Parkinson's disease made it difficult for Keith to visit family and friends. He inspired many with his strength and courage in dealing with Parkinson's. We will remember his smile, his devotion to God and his love for family. He was a member of the Rodney United Church of Christ and the Smithland American Legion.

Keith is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nina of Mapleton; a son, Robert and his wife Annette of Smithland; a daughter, Linda Gray and her husband Rich of St. Charles, Iowa; a sister, Marjorie Drickey of Stockton, Illinois; five grandchildren, Monte, Dustin, Tyler, Wendy, Brian, and 5 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Monte Johnson, Dustin Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Wendy Gray-Klinge, Brian Gray and Brandon Klinge.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Armstrong Funeral Home of Mapleton.

Tombstone Photo
 

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