Van Veneman Johnson (1886-1944)

JOHNSON, GIBSON, SLATER, BERQUIST, HAHN, COMBELLICK

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/5/2020 at 14:59:00

From Nevada Evening Journal August 12, 1944 (page 3)

Funeral Services for Van V. Johnson Held Monday at Maxwell

Maxwell, Aug. 12--Funeral services for Van V. Johnson, 58, were held Monday afternoon in the Presbyterian church with the pastor, the Rev. David S. de Best in charge. The main auditorium of the large church was filled with sorrowing relatives and friends who had gathered to pay a last tribute.

The Philips Community club quartet composed of Doris Myers, Dale John, Jimmie Beal and Clark John sang, "In the Garden," "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere: and "It is Well With My Soul," with Mrs. Lorena Marin accompanist at the piano.

Pallbearers were Albert Birchmeier, Leonard Jacobson, Paul Smith, Wayne Cleverley, Loran Davis and Russell Mowen. Floral tokens, representing affection, respect and esteemed friendship were many and very beautifully arranged and carried by Mrs. C. H. Larsen and Mrs. L. M. Pierce.

During the service Rev. de Best read the following life sketch:

Van V. Johnson was born, Feb. 26, 1886, on the farm where he lived his entire life. In the year 1914 he was united in marriage to Estelline Gibson. To this union were born seven children, all of whom are living with one exception, Marian, who preceded her father in death.

Those who survive him in addition to his wife are Lieut. Bruce Johnson, Roswell, New Mexico; Pfc. William Pershing Johnson located in Hawaii; Eleanor, Mrs. Ray Slater of Chicago; Virginia Johnson of Chicago; Amy, Mrs. Darwin Berquist of Waterloo; and Genefieve Johnson at home. He also leaves three sisters and one brother, Mrs. Ora Hahn of Spencer; Mrs. Dan Johnson of Emmettsburg; Mrs. Bessie Combellick of Mocassin, Montana; and Harry Johnson of Billings, Montana. Included in his survivors are also three grandchildren.

Mr. Johnson attended the local public school and graduated from the Des Moines University in both normal and commercial departments. He was actively interested in the affairs of the community, being elected to the vice chairmanship of the Story county AAA in 1935 and continued in that capacity until 1938. In October of 1938 he was elected chairman of the 1939 program and continued in that position until ill health necessitated his resignation In his early youth he made a confession of Christian faith and united with the Methodist church. His friendly disposition and manifest interest and concern for his neighbors made him a host of friends who will sincerely mourn his passing.