Merlin E Johnson

Merlin E. Johnson, age 88 of Ceresco, died Friday, January 26, 2024 in Lincoln. He was born June 27, 1935 in Wahoo to Elmer and Lorette Johnson. Merlin graduated from Ceresco High School with the Class of 1953 and attended Luther College and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where, in 1958, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He served in the United States Army from September 1958 through September 1960. Following his active duty service, Merlin transferred to the Army National Guard until September 1964. Following his honorable discharge, he worked at Ernie’s Store in Ceresco until 1966 before beginning a 40-year career at Lindley Clothing in Wahoo. Merlin was a lifelong member of Ceresco Covenant Church, a member of Ceresco American Legion Post #244, Midland College Alumni Committee and the Lutherfest Planning Committee.

Always sharply dressed, Merlin will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and devotion to family, church, community, and friends.

Merlin is survived by his brother Harlan (Sharon) Johnson of Ceresco; sisters Sheral (Earl) Johnson of Lincoln, Linda (Fred) Schwartz of Lincoln; nieces and nephews Shelley Witcombe (Don Bossung), Scott Witcombe, Shane Witcombe, David (Sue) Johnson, Julie (Mark) Ferri, Sheri (Bill) Ryan, Andi Johnson, Dee Dee (Louis) Long, Lynn Schwartz-Primmer, Jim Schwartz; great-nieces and great-nephews; special friend Bette Nygren; the Lindley family; other relatives and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Lorette Johnson, sister and brother-in-law RoJane and Howard “Tiny” Witcombe, nephew Shawn Witcombe, and nephew-in-law Todd Johnson.

Memorial Service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, February 3 at Evangelical Covenant Church, 208 Pine Street in Ceresco. Visitation will be Friday 6-8 pm at the church. Interment will be at Sunrise Cemetery in Wahoo. Memorials may be made to Evangelical Covenant Church, People’s City Mission – Lincoln, Open Door Mission – Omaha, or Luther Heritage Scholarship Fund at Midland University – Fremont.