V.B. Johnson was born Oct. 25, 1934, in Tyler, Minnesota, to Walter and Brazel (Halsne) Johnson. He went to his eternal heavenly home at age 90 on Jan. 24, 2025, at his home in Seward, surrounded by family and friends.
He graduated from Hastings High School in 1953 and joined the U.S. Army for a short duration before he transferred to the U.S. Air Force for 10 years. While serving in the Air Force, he served in the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, V.B. graduated from Southeast Community College with his Auto Body Technicians degree in 1964. He then joined the Nebraska Air National Guard in Lincoln, where he served full time as NCOIC of the motor pool until his retirement in 1983.
When V.B. served in the Air Guard in Lincoln, he was given the nickname of "Maytag,” because he was their #1 Agitator. He really loved serving his country. After retiring from the military, he enjoyed working at the Corner Bar in Garland for 10 years.
V.B. lived life to the fullest and was a loving husband, father and grandpa. His big personality and cheer filled every room. He enjoyed telling stories ... especially when they made others laugh. Honesty was a value of his .... so honest he'd return a lost dime to a stranger. He cherished his time with his many grandchildren and especially loved rubbing their heads and treating them to ice cream.
You could always find him with a cup of hot black coffee or lemonade and enjoying the sunshine. He is remembered for his sincerity of heart, generosity and his kind spirit. He was the perfect example of true selflessness and dedication.
His devotion of 25 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Lucinda, was something that everyone admired and looked up to. They especially enjoyed spending winters at their Florida home, traveling together, eating at their favorite restaurant, Red Lobster, and playing pitch and card games with loved ones.
V.B. was close to his Christian faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, which sustained and carried him throughout his lifetime. He especially loved and cherished all of his family and any chance he could get to spend time with them. He was a member of Great Plains Community Church in Goehner, where he made and cherished many friends. He lived out his faith through volunteering and serving in many organizations.
He was known to carry around books of raffle tickets, ready to peddle a few. He was also a good friend of Bill W. Over the years, he made many cakes and brewed lots of coffee for his AA meetings and was looking forward to celebrating 40 years this year.
He joined the American Legion Post #178 in 1980, was a lifetime member of VFW Post #4755, past president of the Nebraska Air National Guard NCO club, past president and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, lifetime member of the Seward County Historical Society, past Treasurer of Blue Valley Community Action in Seward, and long-time member of the Goehner Volunteer Fire Department. V.B. also enjoyed bowling, playing pool and participating in various card clubs.
V.B. was an avid vintage car enthusiast, especially when it came to his red '65 Plymouth Barracuda that he entered in car shows and drag races across the United States. He was a member of The Good Life Car Club in Seward, the Prairie Region Plymouth Club and the Antique Automobile Club of America. In 1986, he instituted and continued to coordinate the Seward County Museum Annual Car Show. He held a soft spot for his Plymouth Duster, after which he named the lane in front of his house in Goehner. He was known as a trustworthy car salesman at 'Goehner Vintage Auto' for 20 years.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lucinda; and by daughters, Christal (Mike) Cline of Geneva and Victoria (Terry) Ferris of Melbourne Beach, Florida; sons, Craig (Lara) of Melbourne, Florida, and Brett of Arizona; stepdaughters, Caterina Corrente, Dallas, Georgia, RoxAnne (Thomas) Bates of Central City, and Clarissa (Justin) Mueller of North Platte; stepsons, Mario (Lori) Corrente and Frank (Marie) Corrente; grandchildren, Casey Rucker, Alexandra Irland, Andy Johnson, Aubrey Sheridan, Raelynn Mueller, Ethan Mueller, Hallie Mueller, Annie Mueller, Benett Mueller, Andrew Bates, Isaac Bates, Hannah Bates; three great-grandchildren; and cousins, Leon (Marilyn) Mortland, Ruthton, Minnesota, and Mark Schwanebeck, Marshall, Minnesota. He is also survived by a host of other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers.
Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lauber Funeral Home in Milford. Family will greet and receive friends and relatives from 3 – 5 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. at Great Plains Community Church in Goehner. Full military rites will be provided by the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard in Bellevue, American Legion Post #33 of Seward and VFW Post #4755, Seward of Seward. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a future designation.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
