Marlene and Melissa Johnson

Marlene and Melissa Johnson

Marlene A. Johnson, 79 years of age, of Beatrice, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at the Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on July 28, 1945, in Odell Nebraska to Laura (Stolte) and Martin Frerking. Marlene attended Odell High school and was Confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Odell, Nebraska.

Marlene married Galen E. Johnson on July 28, 1963, celebrating 61 years of marriage prior to her death. The couple lived in Beatrice, Nebraska where they raised their five children. She loved her family, faith, and Elvis. She enjoyed caring for people, bingo, and traveling to casinos.

Marlene is survived by her husband, son and three daughters and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laura and Martin Frerking, daughter, Karen, and sister Jean Ebeler.

Melissa M. Johnson, 45 years of age, of Beatrice, Nebraska, passed away peacefully after a short illness on February 9, 2025, at the Beatrice Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on October 20, 1979, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Galen and Marlene (Frerking) Johnson.

Melissa was a lifelong Beatrice resident who attended Beatrice High School, participated in the Special Olympics, where she achieved many successes and volunteered with Warrens Table serving food at Christ Episcopal Church. She loved her family, baking, giving hugs and her cat Oliver.

Melissa was survived by her father, Galen Johnson, two sisters, Beth and Lisa, brother, Scott and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephew.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marlene and sister, Karen.

Celebration of Life for mother and daughter will be held June 13, 2025, from 11-12 p.m. at Harman Wright Mortuary & Crematory, Beatrice, Nebraska.

Condolences for mother and daughter may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.