Eugene Johannes, 88, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Monday, February 2, 2009, at Mory's Haven in Columbus.

The funeral service will be Friday, February 6, 10:30 A.M. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 14 miles north, with Rev. Brad Birtell officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by Pieper Post #306 Honor Guard. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Gass Haney Funeral Home and on Friday from 9:30 - 10:30 A.M. at the church with a family prayer service at 10:15 A.M.

Eugene was born July 18, 1920 in rural Platte County, Nebraska, to John and Louise (Depe) Johannes.  Eugene was baptized on August 8, 1920, at St. John's Lutheran Church.  At the age of three, the family moved to Colby, Kansas, and returned to the Columbus area ten years later.  Eugene finished his grade school education at St. John's Lutheran School, and was confirmed on May 12, 1935.  Eugene helped out on the family farm, and also did work for the neighbors.  Eugene and a few of his young friends traveled in Iowa and Minnesota, working for farmers along the way. 

On July 21, 1942, Eugene entered the United States Army during World War II.  He was honorably discharged on February 2, 1946.  Eugene was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the American Theatre Ribbon.  On April 1, 1945, Eugene was united in marriage to Mildred Kapels at St. John's Lutheran Church.  Upon his discharge, Eugene and Mildred moved back to the Columbus area and worked on the family farm and also drove the maintainer for the county.  Eventually, Eugene purchased his own farm.

Eugene was an avid bowler and for many years was the secretary for the Lutheran Bowling League.  He was a life time member of Placo Pork Producers,  served on the Board of Directors of the Creston CoOp, and a 62 plus year member of the Creston American Legion.  Eugene was a life long member of St. John's Lutheran Church where he had served on the Board of Elders, and president & secretary of the Lutheran Laymen League.

Eugene is survived by:

Wife - Mildred Johannes of Columbus, NE

Son - Gerald "Jake" (Nickie) Johannes of Central City, NE

Son - Merle (Joyce) Johannes of Columbus, NE

Son - Myron "Mike" (Nancy) Johannes of Columbus, NE

Son - Leroy (Lois) Johannes of Columbus, NE

Daughter - Susan (Jerry) Vyhlidal of Columbus, NE

13 Grandchildren

18 Great Grandchildren

1 Great-Great Grandchild

 

Eugene was preceded in death by:

Parents - John and Louise Johannes

Brother - Melvin Johannes

Grandson - Michael Johannes

 

SERVICE FOLDER INFORMATION

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall
not want. He maketh me to lie
down in green pastures; He leadeth
me beside the still waters. He
restoreth my soul; He leadeth me
in the paths of righteousness for
His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort
me; Thou preparest a table before
me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil,
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.


In Memory Of

Eugene Johannes

Born

Sunday, July 18, 1920

Rural Platte County, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
 Monday, February 2, 2009
 Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Friday, February 6, 2009     10:30 AM
St. John's Lutheran Church
Rural Columbus, Nebraska

Officiating
Rev. Brad Birtell

Music
G. L. Joseph - Organist
"Abide With Me"     "Beautiful Savior"
"I'm But A Stranger Here"     "The Lord Is My Shepherd"

Casket Bearers
Mark Johannes               James Johannes
Lucas Johannes               Brent Johannes
Brian Johannes          Brandon Johannes

Memorialized Casket Bearer
Michael Johannes

Interment
St. John's Lutheran Cemetery
Rural Columbus, Nebraska

Military Honors
American Legion Honor Guard, Pieper Post 306