Hastings resident, Nancy L. Johnson, 79, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Graveside services will be Friday, July 22, 2011; 10:30 A.M. at Minden Cemetery, Minden with Pastor Don Hunzeker officiating. Memorials may be given to the family to be given to Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village.

Nancy was born June 8, 1932 in Bethany, Illinois to Walter & Doris (Jeffers) Wicker. She attended Rocky Branch rural school near Lakewood, IL. Nancy met Ernest L. Johnson in Shelbyville, Illinois; they were united in marriage on October 28, 1950 in Springfield, Illinois. They went to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada for a short time, then moved to the farm, between Upland and Hildreth, in 1951 and farmed together for 10 years. They moved to Minden and owned and operated the Highway Liquor Store until 1966. The family moved to Nancy’s home state of Illinois until 1968 when they returned to Hastings. They owned and operated Reno Bar for two years. Nancy and Ernest lived in Holstein for a short time before returning to Hastings. Nancy worked as a waitress at various jobs in Hastings then retired at Good Samaritan Village in Hastings. She loved to garden especially growing tomatoes and flowers, and was a very good cook. Nancy & Ernie were well known for their dancing to waltzes and the two step. She enjoyed fishing, playing pitch and bingo.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Survivors include:
Daughters & Spouses: Victoria S. & Robert Thompson – Milligan, NE
    Janet Kile – Minden, NE
    Lori & Raymond Kirkpatrick – Fremont, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Adam & Katie Bunker – Lincoln, NE
    Dori Bunker – Lincoln, NE
    Brandi Waugh – Bennington, NE
    Chad Waugh & Allison – Norton, KS
    Danny Kile – Lincoln, NE
    Kelly Crawford – Hastings, NE
    Cory & Staci Crawford – Omaha, NE
Great-Grandchild: Reghan Chrisjohn – Gardner, KS
Sisters: Virginia Sokolis – Wheeling, IL
    Mary Ann & Ralph Handley – Decatur, IL
    Ilene & Dean Warfel – Findlay, IN
Many Nieces & Nephews