Leo E. Johnson

Spencer — Leo Earl Johnson, 87, of Spencer, died Monday, April 22, 2024 at Arbor Care Center in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Friday, April 26, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in Spencer with a prayer service.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Spencer. Pastor Glen Stahlecker officiated.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Leo was born in Lynch on April 9, 1937 to John and Ruth (Putnam) Johnson. He was the youngest of nine children. He attended country school in Holt County and graduated from Spencer High School in 1954.  

Leo served in the United States Army for two years. Upon being honorably discharged in 1958, he moved to Boise, Idaho to work on a mink farm.  

Leo was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Rose Mary Hypse on Dec. 27, 1958 in Spencer. To this union three children were born Dixie, Tim and Toni.

Leo attended barber school in 1960 in Omaha, after completing barber school the couple moved back to Spencer. He opened and operated Leo's Barber Shop in Spencer from 1961 to 1974. Leo then began working for NPPD in 1974 as a hydro plant operator, retiring in 1999 after 25 years.

He was a faithful member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Spencer and also served as a member on the church board. He was a member of the Lion's Club, Spencer Community Club and also served as a volunteer fireman.

Leo enjoyed hunting and was also an avid and passionate fisherman with countless stories to tell and occasional embellishments. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leo is survived by his wife of 65 years Rose Mary Johnson of Spencer; his three children Dixie (Gregg) Biehl of Fremont, Tim (Julie) Johnson of Broken Bow and Toni (Greg) Brown of Omaha; nine grandchildren Breanne (Micheal) Alexander, Emily (Bryan) Cech, Hannah (Zach) Gordon, Olivia (Jake) Kaufman, Taylor (Josh) Arnold, Tanner Johnson, Katie (Tyler) Chrisman, Nick Brown and Molly (Corby) Cerny; 17 great-grandchildren; his sister Helen (Duane) Bolliger of Kansas City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son in 1972; and seven siblings and spouses Evelyn (Rudy) Liable, Carlton Johnson, Caroline (Larry) Rossi, Opal (Bernard) Miller, Art (Margaret) Johnson, Kenny Johnson and Nancy (Bob) Gamble.