LESTER EMANUEL JOHNSON was born March 13, 1921, in Oakland, Nebraska to Victor and Bessie (Carlson) Johnson. He passed away Friday, October 17, 2008, at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland at the age of 87 years.

Lester was baptized and confirmed at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.

In 1942, Lester joined the U.S. Army. He was decorated with a Purple Heart for injuries he received in the European Theater of Operations during World War II, serving from Utah Beach all the way into Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Lester was a lifetime member of the Ryan V.F.W. Post No. 5543 and the American Legion Post No. 46.

Following the service, he married Doris Smith. They had two sons: Lester Brian and Rex Allen. The marriage ended in 1953.

On April 12, 1962, Lester married Loretta (Nielsen) Nichols in Madison, Nebraska. Loretta had two daughters: Margene and Vicky. They began their married life in Oakland, where for 41 years; Lester owned and operated Oakland Transfer. He was the major freight transporter for several merchants in Oakland and the surrounding communities. He was well known by all. He then sold his freight rights and joined Agland CO-OP, now known as CVA, in Oakland. He was the warehouse manager, better known as “Tin Shed” Johnson. He retired from CO-OP in 1987.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Victor Johnson Jr. and grandson, Scott Eugene Swenson.

Survivors include his wife: Loretta of Oakland; sons and daughter-in-law: Lester, Rex and Joy all of Tacoma, Washington; daughters and son-in-law: Margene and Ron Swenson, Vicky Nichols all of Oakland; eight grandchildren: David (Nola) Swenson of Hooper, NE, Ron (Christi) Swenson Jr. of El Dorado Hills, CA, Chris (Melanie) Swenson of Craig, NE, Matthew (Sally) Urbanec of Plainfield, IL, Michael Nichols of Oakland, Kristian Johnson of Florida, Rex (Karen) Johnson, Kari (Scott) White all of Tacoma, WA; thirteen great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Janet Johnson & family of Greeley, CO, Betty Nielsen & Family of Elk Creek, NE, Joye Heaton & Family of South Sioux City, NE.

Lester was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.     

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday October 22, 2008, 2:00 p.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland, Nebraska.

BURIAL: Oakland Cemetery with Military Honors by the Ryan VFW Post No. 5543 and American Legion Post No. 46.

VISITATION: Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 1- 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Oakland. Visitation will also be held Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: Tree of Love at the Oakland Mercy Hospital and Oakland Rescue Squad

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

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