Neil Leonard Johnson

Neil Leonard Johnson, 79, of Blue Hill, Nebraska passed away on Tuesday, March 25,2025 at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, NE surrounded by family.  Neil was born on the family farm 5 miles south of Blue Hill on June 21,1945 to Leonard and Viola (Magarin) Johnson.  He was baptized and a member at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Blue Hill.

Neil graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1963 and worked as a local farmhand. In 1972 he picked up carpentry and lawnmowing, which he continued until finally retiring. On August 3, 1974, he married Susan Beach, and to this union was born four children, Brian (Tiffany) Johnson; Brad (Rebecca) Johnson; Brent (Amy) Johnson; and Jodi (Jan) tenBensel.

He enjoyed his lawn mowing, gardening, square dancing, and anything having to do with John Deere or The Andy Griffith Show. He enjoyed sharing and teaching his favorite things to his grandchildren: Pacey, Remmington, Felicity, Corbin, Phoebe, Gavin, Reese, and Aiden.

Neil is survived by his wife of 50 years; children; grandchildren; siblings Karin (Jerry) Torske; Dennis (Zola) Johnson; Duane (Dee) Johnson; Faith Nelson; Alan (Connie) Johnson; brother-in-law David (Rosie) Beach; sister-in-law Veronica Beach; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents; mother- and father-in-law Iva and Clifford Beach; brother-in-law, Dennis Beach; and nephews Glen Johnson, Randy Torske, and Thad Johnson.

Service will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Pastor Don and Sue Sheltrown officiating.  Neil’s wishes were to be cremated.  Book signing with family present will be Monday, March 31,2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Private family burial will take place at a later date.   A memorial has been established to be designated at a later date.  The service will be live-streamed on Merten-Butler Mortuary’s website.  To view the service, go to Neil’s obituary and click on the play button towards the bottom of the page.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

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