Elvera Freida Johnson was born on November 16, 1932, to Fritz & Olga Marie (Anderson) Englund on a farm in Cuming County, near Oakland, Nebraska. She was welcomed into her eternal rest by her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, March 14, 2025.

She attended country school in Burt County until the family moved to Omaha in 1944. She completed her middle school years at Miller Park School, graduated in 1950 from North High School in Omaha, and received an AA degree from North Park College in Chicago, IL.

One of the highlights of her life were her trips to Europe especially Sweden where she met and built relationships with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She worked on the switchboard and as a secretary until she and Wendell Johnson were united in marriage on March 17, 1961, at Bensonvale Covenant Church in Omaha. They began their life together in Greeley and Littleton, Colorado, then Omaha, Red Oak, and Shenandoah before settling on the farm east of Essex where they raised their 4 children.

Elvera was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She liked to sew, do puzzles, was an avid reader, and enjoyed traveling with the family. She especially enjoyed Scrabble games. Wendell & Elvera enjoyed several winters at Bibleville in Alamo, TX after their retirement.

She was a faithful member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Essex where she taught Sunday School, served on several committees, and was a member of Covenant Women. Being part of her community was important to Elvera. She belonged to several organizations: Study & Service Club, Shenandoah Historical Society, Essex Community Club, and Farm Bureau.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Wendell Johnson; her parents; a sister: Doris Palmquist and her husband Raymond; an infant brother: Herbert Englund; brothers & sisters-in-law; Russell & Marjorie Johnson, Vernon Johnson, and Wayne & Dorothy Johnson; and nephew: Tom Johnson.

Elvera is survived by her children: Becky Cerven (Roger), Tim Johnson (Tammy), Mark Johnson (Diana), and Deborah Shutters (Brian); ten grandchildren: Brielle Cerven, Jonathan Cerven (Allison), Andrew Cerven (Roey), Allison & Wesley Johnson, Luke & Isabel Johnson, Madeline, William Mason, & Katherine Shutters; and great grandson: Callen Cerven; sister-in-law: Evelyn Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Stanton Evangelical Covenant Church in Stanton, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Essex Cemetery in Essex, Iowa. Memorials are suggested to the Essex Public Library or the Essex Education Foundation.

LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.