Joan J. Johnson, 87, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Friday, May 30, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 5, at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Ollie Fullmer officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue Thursday, from 9:30 AM until service time, at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Thursday, at 10:15 AM, at the church. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the church following the committal service.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Youth, Youth & Families For Christ, and the American Heart Association.

Joan "Joanie" Johnson was born in Colfax County on July 24, 1937, to Alvin and Ema (Hledik) Loseke.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek.  Joan graduated from Schuyler High School in 1954, and continued her education at Grand Island Business College.

Joan was united in marriage to Roger L. Walker on December 20, 1958, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Shell Creek.  To this union three children were born, Daniel, Diane, and Jon.  On May 12, 2002, she married Jack L. Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church, Columbus.

Joan worked for Walker, Luckey, and Hunter Law Firm in Columbus from 1955 until 1959, then in 1961 went to work in the accounting department at Behlen Manufacturing Company, and remained  for over 45 years until retirement.  While at Behlen she served on the Cafeteria Board for 12 years and worked with Columbus Area United Way on the annual campaigns.  Joan also served on the Columbus United Federal Credit Union Board for 24 years, followed by several years on the supervisory committee.  Bowling was her entertainment. Joan bowled for 46 years starting in 1974 and bowled in 45 state tournaments and 8 national tournaments.  She also enjoyed serving as a wedding coordinator at Trinity Lutheran Church for many years.

After retirement Joan volunteered at Columbus Community Hospital.  She joined the auxiliary and served as vice president and then served on the CCH Volunteer Board.  During this time, she volunteered in the gift shop and with fundraising events.  Her proudest accomplishment was serving on the committee to design, plan, and install the "Respect for Service" statue in front of the hospital (she is wearing Joan's shoes).

Joan's greatest joy was gathering with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Joan was a huge Husker football fan and also like to read, travel, golf when she could, and go on outings with friends.  Joan believed you could not have too many friends.  As Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get, and make a life by what we give."

Joan is survived by-
Husband – Jack Johnson of Columbus, NE
Son – Daniel (Alene) Walker of St. Louis Park, MN
Daughter – Diane (Kevin) McGraw of Sioux City, IA
Son – Jon (MJ) Walker of Valley, NE
Grandchildren – Michael (Alexa) Walker of Minneapolis, MN; Emma (Connor) Lynde of Wilmette, IL; Branden Boden of Grants Pass, OR; Brittney (Elie) Ortiz of Omaha, NE; Nathan McGraw of West Des Moines, IA; Lindsey (Mitchell) Schneider of Cedarburg, WI; Haley (Steven) King of Omaha, NE; Mackenzie Walker of Valley, NE; and Jackson Walker of Lincoln, NE
Great Grandchildren – Gabriela and Mila Ortiz; Eleanor and Maeve Lynde; Madison, Cameron, and Maverick Schneider; Amelia Walker

Sister – Donna Sobota of Schuyler, NE
Brother – LeRoy (Rhoda) Loseke of Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Nieces and Nephews – Mark (Lori) Sobota of Greenwood, NE; Robin Stec of Omaha, NE; Matt (Laura) Sobota of Schuyler, NE; David (Romey) Loseke of Solana Beach, CA; and Susan (Chris) Lank of Newport Coast, CA.
Many great nieces, nephews, and cousins

Joan was preceded in death by
Parents – Alvin and Ema Loseke
Grandparents - Alfred and Rosa Loseke; Frank and Anastasia Hledik
1st Husband – Roger Walker
Niece – Holly Sobota
Brother-in-law – Emil Sobota