Andy Johnson (John Andrew), 81, Lincoln, passed away Friday (8/2/13) in a Minneapolis hospital surrounded by his family. He was born to Gertrude (Paden) and John Benjamin Johnson on April 29, 1932 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
He attended Yankee Hill Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School. He was one of the youngest in Lincoln to become an Eagle Scout and had many jobs as he was in school, including paper routes on horseback. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and he graduated from the University of Nebraska as an industrial engineer.
In 1957, he married the love of his life, Jeanie Aitken, also of Lincoln. Together they raised four children as they moved across the country, starting in Newton, Iowa where he worked for Fred Maytag.
Following that to Illinois, New Jersey and Indiana before returning home to Lincoln in 1974 when they purchased Stephenson School Supply. He enjoyed life to the fullest and with endearment was called Captain Rec (recreation) as he was the leader of fun times and activities. “Work hard, play hard” a consistent message with him that went well with his work ethic, honor and integrity. He was a loyal and faithful member of First Plymouth Church. He loved attending Nebraska football, basketball and baseball games, cheering on the Huskers. He was a devoted father and family man.
Preceded in death by his bride of 52 years, Jeanie and also his parents and sister Marilyn, Andy (also AJ, Dad, Grandpa, Papa and Buddy Johnson) leaves many survivors and friends who will greatly miss him including his children and their spouses, John Philip Johnson (Sue) of Lincoln; Beth Johnson Beghou (Eric) of Winnetka, Illinois; Julie Johnson Robinson (Mike) of Lincoln and Mark Andrew Johnson (Nancy) of Fort Collins, Colorado. Nine grandchildren, Andrew and Cami Beghou of Winnetka, Illinois; Ben, Sophie, Margaret, Bernadette and Genevieve Johnson of Lincoln; Sally and Tate Johnson of Fort Collins. Brothers in law Jim Aitken of Lincoln and Philip Aitken (Jan) of Painesville, Ohio. Special nephew Bill Bynum (Gail) and unofficially adopted “fifth” child, Steve Davies, and many other relatives and dear friends.
The Funeral Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday (8/8/13), First Plymouth Congregational Church, 2000 “D” Street, Lincoln, NE 68502.
Memorials to First Plymouth.
Visitation from (2p-8p) Wednesday, with family greeting friends from 7p to 8p at Roper and Sons, 4300 “O” Street.