Joanne Johnson

Joanne Rutledge (O’Brien) Johnson passed away surrounded by her family. She was raised up on eagle’s wings Saturday, November 9th, 2019.

Joanne was born on January 30th, 1948, to Claude and Betty Lou O’Brien in Alliance, Nebraska. She grew up with her five siblings on her family’s ranch southwest of Mullen, Nebraska.

On April 1st, 1972, Joanne married Gary Johnson. Together they raised four children: Ed Johnson, Angela (Johnson) Kaping, Gary Johnson, Jr., and Daniel Johnson.

Joanne was proud to be one of the first female engineers in Alliance. She enjoyed her work and would often say to others, “Have fun at work!” Joanne retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad after 30 years of service.

She was a beloved mother and grandmother who enjoyed her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids and will be remembered for her devotion to her family. Joanne loved being with her family whether it was out camping and fishing at the lake, at home for holiday gatherings, or attending her grandchildren’s school activities and events.

Joanne was preceded in death by her father, Claude O’Brien, mother, Betty Lou (Rutledge) O’Brien Long, stepfather, Emmett Long, her sisters, Sandra (O’Brien) Cordts, Virginia (O’Brien) Thompson, Mary Jane O’Brien, and a niece, Patricia Sue O’Brien.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Gary Johnson, their four children, Ed (Jeni) Johnson, Angela (Jeff) Kaping, Gary (Christina) Johnson Jr., and Daniel Johnson, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and her brothers, James Patrick (Cheryl) O’Brien and John Michael (Sherri) O’Brien.

Graveside services will be held Friday, November 15th, 2019 at 11:00 at Eclipse Cemetery, south of Mullen, Nebraska. Pastor Bob Teters will be officiating with Mullen Funeral Home/Govier Brothers Mortuary in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com.