Edward Michael "Ed" Johnson

1966 - 2025

Edward Michael Johnson was born Nov. 6, 1966, in Fremont, Neb., to Robert C. and Ruth (Warga) Johnson. He went home to be with Jesus Jan. 1, 2025, at the age of 58.

Ed grew up working on the family farm outside of North Bend. He attended #92 Country School for grade school and then attended high school in North Bend, graduating in 1985.

Ed's favorite thing growing up was being anywhere his dad was. He and his dad were very close and enjoyed doing most everything together. He got to play the trombone in band and had some piano lessons, but they were not his favorite things to do.

He enjoyed his cattle, but he loved hunting, fishing, and running his trap lines. Ed was also involved in 4-H, FFA and in church activities and had lots of stories to tell about his FFA years and showing cattle.

After high school, Ed went to Northeast Community College where he graduated in 1987 with a degree in Diesel Mechanics. This is where he met his best friend, John Fehrer, and they were friends ever since.

After college, Ed did a co-op/internship with the Nebraska Department of Roads in North Platte as a diesel tech. Then he went to work at Pollard Equipment (John Deere) in North Bend as a diesel mechanic.
Ed's love for hunting and adventure led him to be a hunting guide for Wilderness Lodge in Montana and Idaho. Oh, the stories he told about these grand adventures!

Ed loved the Sandhills in Nebraska and a little town named Arnold caught his eye. He bought a cozy house in Arnold and settled in with his boys, Steven and Tristan. He was an excellent daddy! He got a job at Central Implement (John Deere) and he continued working there when it later changed hands and became Weiman Tractor Repair.

It was during this time in his life that Pastor Karg led Ed to a personal faith in Jesus and, later, his father-in-law was honored to baptize him in their river. Ed's faith was a source of strength for him, and he became a quiet servant who was always looking for ways to bless others. Like Ed himself, his faith was not showy but it was unwavering. He loved his church family at the First Baptist Church in Arnold, faithfully attending all the rest of his life.

Ed dreamed of buying a place in the country and, in 2002, his dreams came true! He fell in love with a beautiful property outside of Arnold and was able to purchase the acreage of his dreams. The river that runs through it has provided many great memories over the years - canoeing, fishing, swimming and camping, just to name a few.

For many years, Ed enjoyed hosting a church camp out at his house. He spent countless hours preparing this adventure to bring joy to so many people.

2002 was Ed's lucky year! Not only did he buy the property of his dreams, he also met the woman who became the love of his life. Ed and Alasha met and quickly became best friends; they loved doing everything together. To Ed's delight, Alasha loved hunting and fishing and everything outdoors almost as much as he did! In 2007 Ed finally married his best friend, Alasha Jennings. God blessed them with four amazing children - Jamie, Michael, Weston and Melody. They all share Ed's love for God, fishing, hunting and spending time together. His kids obviously adored him; they imitated everything that he did.

In 2011 Ed and Alasha decided to go out on their own and they started Prairie Springs Equipment. He also started being a Hydra Bed dealer. This was a big step of faith, but God richly blessed them through it.

Ed loved hunting and he loved taking them on family vacations to the mountains to hunt, camp, fish or just visit friends. Often the stories from these trips were not the ones you would expect but entertaining all the same.

In November of 2021, Ed was diagnosed with cancer and his life turned into treatments and doctor's appointments. Friends and family surrounded the Johnsons with love and support through his battle with cancer; they even helped build the beautiful house that they now call home. Ed was always humbled and eternally grateful for all of the support poured out on him and his family.

Ed never knew a stranger. To him, everyone was a friend, and everyone considered him a dear friend as well. He will be greatly missed by all of us that are left behind!

Ed's greatest joy in life was spending time with his wife and children. Whether working or playing, they were his delight, and he was theirs. Ed died in the hospital in Chandler, Ariz., surrounded by family who deeply loved him.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Clarence and MaeBelle Liston Johnson of North Bend and Albert and Bess Karas Warga of Plattsmouth.

He is survived by his wife Alasha Johnson and children Jamie, Michael, Weston and Melody Johnson, all of Arnold, Steven Johnson and fiancé Katie Day of Broken Bow and Tristan Johnson of Lincoln: ,parents Robert and Ruth Johnson of North Bend; sisters Sandra Johnson of Lincoln, Cheryl (Jim) Bose of Lincoln and Kathy (Paul) Schmidt of Lincoln; grandsons Dominic and Jamison Johnson of Broken Bow; and many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Ed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, at 3 p.m. at the Arnold First Baptist Church in Arnold. Burial will follow in the Arnold Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arnold First Baptist Church. Memorials are suggested to the family.

Govier Brothers Mortuary of Arnold is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.