Karla Johnson

Karla J. Johnson entered this life on March 21, 1943, and departed with her angels by her side on September 8, 2021. The Macon Prairie was her first home—one-room, country school District 25, up the road from the family farm—and she graduated high school in Franklin, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel’s Lutheran Church near Hildreth and some years later became a member of Zion Lutheran at Macon. Her faith was her strength and her rock.

Franklin is where Karla made her near-lifelong home and she loved her two acres, tending them with meticulous care. She shared her home with her mother for many years, as well. She enjoyed above all else her family and friends, although golf, cards, and casino trips were close seconds. Karla was both saver and giver, always generous and caring. She was full of life and fun and laughter.

Karla was a diligent worker, beginning as a legal secretary and later carving out a career in Abstracting and Title Insurance. She enjoyed serving the Franklin community in her later years as relief driver for the local public transportation service and also did bookkeeping work. Karla moved to Arbor Care Assisted Living in Franklin in April 2021 when her health deteriorated. She gracefully surrendered this life while hospitalized at Mary Lanning in Hastings, NE.

Karla’s list of mourners is long. She knew everyone, and everyone knew her. Family left to cherish her memory are her brother, Ty and Bert Johnson, Doniphan, NE, who saw her to her final rest; sister, Linda and Tom James, Maricopa, AZ; niece, Kortney and Eric High (Ethan, Khloe), Green Bay, WI; nephews—Shawn and Larisa Johnson (Stefani), Lincoln, NE; Lance and Teresa Johnson (Abby, Katie), Fremont, NE; Chad and Jennifer Johnson (Simon, Gabi, Evie, Maddie), Lincoln, NE; and honorary little sister and cousin, Jami and Denny Hall, Republican City, NE. She was preceded in death by parents, Opal and Elmer Johnson, and brother, Rick.

Karla chose direct cremation. Karla’s family will be greeting family and friends Sunday, September 19th, 2 - 4 pm, Hutchins Funeral Home in Franklin. A private family service will be held at a later time. Memorials will be designated by family to the local community.

Family Notes: We are grateful to Karla’s many healthcare givers at Arbor Care Center, Franklin County Memorial Hospital, Nebraska Heart Institute, and Mary Lanning Hospital for their diligence and loving care, as well as her near and dear family and friends (you know who you are).