Died August 8, 2021 in Fremont.
Donald Bleyn Johnson was born December 25, 1936 to Bud and Sue Johnson in Imperial, NE. Don liked nearly everyone he met throughout his lifetime. He had a knack for getting people to talk and loved going out to eat with friends and family at a fine restaurant (enjoying a few glasses of wine). He was an incredibly generous, humble and caring man. He was wonderfully charming and would always greet you with a smile. He loved to travel and visited all 50 states and 30 countries. He would be embarrassed if we went on too long, so we will let you think about your own superlatives to describe this man.
Don graduated from Syracuse High School and excelled at more things than music. He was a member of the 1953-1954 Syracuse Rockets basketball team which was one of the most outstanding teams to play in the state of Nebraska. The team was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
He was an accomplished trumpet player who served as soloist and principal trumpet in the Headquarters 12th Air Force Band. He received a bachelor of fine arts degree from Peru State College, Peru, NE and a Master of Music from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Don taught for 35 years in Nebraska schools, including Table Rock, Wahoo, Wahoo Neumann and the last 21 years of his career in Fremont. Don received the J.C.'s Outstanding Young Educator Award, the Donald A. Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award (given by the Nebraska Bandmasters Association) and the prestigious Mac Award. He was elected to the Nebraska Music Educators Hall of Fame and served as president of both the Nebraska Music Educators Association and Nebraska Bandmasters Association (but not at the same time). He was a Kiwanian and volunteered regularly for their service projects.
He retired from teaching in Fremont public schools, but he never really retired as he continued to tune pianos, and directed the Midland University (formerly known as Midland Lutheran College) band for 15 years. He worked for Dietze Music traveling throughout Nebraska. In addition to providing help with band instruments and equipment, he offered advice and mentoring to young band directors who were eager to learn from the seasoned Bandmaster.
He became involved with the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music in 1991. He and Barbara took hundreds of Nebraska music students and staff biannually on a trip of a lifetime, performing at iconic spots throughout Europe. Don and Barbara's last trip happened in 2015. Many students came home from the trip with lifelong friendships and their lives tremendously enriched by the experience.
In 2020, COVID-19 finally kept him from working.
His family will miss him more than you can imagine: Wife: Barbara B. Johnson, Fremont; Sister: Karen (Ken) Koch, Lincoln; Brother: Jim (Elaine) Johnson, Omaha. Children: Sherman (Tammy) Johnson, Lincoln; Bret Johnson, Elk Horn; Keith (Crystal) Eberspacher, Fremont; Jane (Steve) Flanagan, West Des Moines, IA; Carl (Ginger) Eberspacher, Omaha. Grandchildren: Tyler Johnson, Travis Johnson, Trey Johnson, Jena (Germaine) Leslie, Kara (Kevin) Heim, Aidan Eberspacher, Natasha Eberspacher, Haley Eberspacher. Great Grandchildren: Matson Johnson, Sadie Heim, Lela Heim, Elizabeth Heim. Nieces and nephews. Friends and colleagues.
Services to celebrate Don's life will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 815 N. Broad St, Fremont, NE. (Livestream @ https://fremontfirstumc.org/). He will be interred at a private family burial service at Ridge Cemetery, Fremont, NE.
If you attend the service, you are encouraged to wear a face mask.
Memorial donations will be used to establish a scholarship fund in his memory.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
To watch a recording of the service please copy and paste the following link:
https://youtu.be/YzZ3jDucViM
Condolences(27)
Al Hanna
Stilwell, KS Tuesday, August 17, 2021 Mr. Johnson was my band director for my senior year at University High School in Lincoln. He was very engaging with the students and formed many fond memories. He always encouraged me and I became a high school band director in the Kansas City area. Please accept my sympathy to all his family and friends.Deb Okerblom Longshore
Sailsbury, MD Sunday, August 15, 2021 I knew Mr. J my freshman year in high school through band. He was an awesome band leader. He taught at Hastings High School in Hastings NE. I was in the class of 1979. I was nervous trying out for my seat in the clarinet section. But he made me feel at ease immediately. I truly loved our competitions in marching band and our concerts.My sincere sympathy to his entire family.
Heaven has gained another Angel 😇
Blessings
Donald and Deb Okerblom (LONGSHORE)
Daniel York
Los Angeles, CA Sunday, August 15, 2021 An extraordinary man who will be greatly missed.Dale Comer
Easley, SC Saturday, August 14, 2021 My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. So sorry for your loss.Jackie( Flider) Uhri
Stella, NE Saturday, August 14, 2021 Deepest sympathy to Barb and sons. "Mr. J" had a great band program at Table Rock and his awards showed he had students who followed his direction. I babysit for the boys when their parents had to be out of town. Don will "toot" his horn in the heavens.Maggie Bade
Fremont, NE Saturday, August 14, 2021 Mr. Johnson was my first band teacher at Linden Elementary. He was patient, encouraging and kind. He lived an amazing life! Thoughts are with his family.Ric and Sonja Netzer
Arvada, CO Friday, August 13, 2021 Don and Barbara, two remarkable caring people. Don's smile was infectious and his care for people was second to none. I am a better person because of my friendship with Don and Barbara. Our Prayers are with you Barbara.Deb Ussery
Pierce, NE Friday, August 13, 2021 Our sympathies and prayers are with Don's family. He was my band director at Midland Lutheran College in the late 1980/early1990's. And in 2015 my daughter traveled to Europe with Don and Barb and the Nebraska Music Ambassadors. God Bless. Deb and MelindaBob Patterson
Elkhorn, NE Friday, August 13, 2021 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Don left a wonderful legacy and touched many lives.Bob and Jane Patterson
Jan (Flider) Buchholz
Table Rock, NE Friday, August 13, 2021 Don was my first band instructor. He made each student feel like they could be the best player. I had many conversations with as I had my lesson over the dinner hour so he and I ate late by ourselves. I treasure the band awards he drove us to win! To his sos, I babysat you many times when your folks were gone to dances your dad played at. Thank you Mr. Johnson for being that teacher you never forget!Christie Anderson Tyler
Wahoo, NE Friday, August 13, 2021 When I stop and think about ALL the young musicians lives that were influenced by this one man, such as myself, it’s hard to express my respect and gratitude. The love of music was in his soul, and the teaching and sharing of that love was his passion. We are all blessed to have been able to call him our friend. Thank you Don for our 50 year friendship…you will be missed by so many.Brenda Brimmerman
Saint Paul, MN Friday, August 13, 2021 My deepest condolences to the Johnson family. I had the privilege to have Mr. Johnson as a tutor in Jr high and high school. I have many wonderful memories working with him on many music pieces. Thanks to Mr Johnson I will forever have a love for music.Brenda Brimmerman
Class of 88 FHS
Dale and Lila Comer
Easley, SC Thursday, August 12, 2021 It was with an honor and a pleasure to know Don. He was a gentle person with a million watt smile. Whether tuning our piano, playing in his dance band with Dale trying to fill in, or at one of the many family functions, he was a joy to be around. Such a talented trumpet player and educator, always wanting to help his students be their best. He will live on in so many lives that he touched and we are better for knowing him!John Parde
Lemont, IL Thursday, August 12, 2021 Barb and family,I’m so sorry for your loss. Don was a remarkable man who impacted more people than he, or anyone can/will ever know. We lost a good one, but heaven now shines much brighter, and probably sounds better too because we know that he is the lead trumpet! He will be forever in our hearts, minds, and thoughts. God Bless
John Parde
Sandra Sukstorf
Fremont, NE Thursday, August 12, 2021 Our sincere sympathy to the family. Our sons Perry and Bill had Mr J in band throughout High School. We have many good memories and appreciation for him.Jackie Jordan Anderson
Wahoo, NE Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Prayers and blessings to Sherm and Bret and all of Don’s family. Band and trips and working at the Dairy Sweet were great times. We always delivered home made divinity candy Christmas per Don’s request. Great guy and wonderful youth memories. Our thoughts are with you at this time of loss.Julie (Nanninga) Showalter
Oakland, IA Wednesday, August 11, 2021 I student taught in Fremont in 1988. Don was my supervising teacher for the elementary band program. I was terribly nervous about teaching band students but he was kind, supportive, funny, and inspiring. Both he and Barbara were wonderful to work with during my semester there. My life is richer having known both of them. My deepest sympathy to all of you.Judy Brooks
Fremont, NE Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Mr Johnson had infinite patience in teaching children how to play their instruments. All three of our children were blessed to have him be their first band instructor. He always had a smile, even when they squawked. He looked at the fifth grade band students with the same pride he had for his high school band. He was a very good man and will be missed. Our sympathy and prayers for his family.DWIGHT ROSE
MURRAY, NE Wednesday, August 11, 2021 My thoughts and prayers to the family. Don was such a huge influence to myself and can not thank him enough for what he did for me.Di Pfeiffer
Wahoo, NE Wednesday, August 11, 2021 My husband & I had Don's father, Bud, as our band director in Syracuse in the '70s. Our daughter, Mattie, was able to go on the NE Music Ambassador trip several years ago with Don. We met up with them in Switzerland and Don's comment to us was, "Wow, people from Syracuse will travel a long way to hear a good march!" Don had been tuning our piano ever since. What a wonderful man! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.Jim Schulz
Laguna Niguel, CA Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Don was a terrific guy. I was fortunate enough to get to know him even better in his later life. He and his family played a large role in music education in the state. He was an educator’s educator. He will be missed.Laurie (Vrana) Deseck
PLATTSMOUTH, NE Wednesday, August 11, 2021 As a former band member of the Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School Band under the direction of Don's dad, B.A. Johnson - I remember how proud Mr. Johnson always was of his sons, Don & Jim's bands and LOVED competing "with them" and "against them!" I graduated in 1973 and was the drum majorette that year and we frequently attended the same parades and competitions that Mr. Johnson's son's bands did too:-) Sounds like Don had a very accomplished life and will be missed greatly:-( I'm sure there will be lots of music going on in heaven!!!Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Was a colleague of Don's at Midland Lutheran. He was a positive force for potential students. Ironically, he married the mother of my college roommate, Keith Eberspacher. There won't be many more music men like Don in this world. Say hi to Jim Elsberry for me. Grace. Gregg KupferBarbara Lindsay
Friend, NE Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Barbara & family we are sorry for your loss. our thoughts & prayers are with your family.Marianne rasmussen wilson
Council Bluffs, IA Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Don was the BEST music teacher and made Band class fun! He was so talented and the smile daily was never forgotten! I have never forgotten all the fun Band and marching band was! So sorry to hear of his passing! He was a blessing to Fremont High and everyone he met! Prayers for the family and let us band members all wear masks even if you got the shot.and if I still had my flute I would say we could all play for his celebration of life! Since that is not possible, I say keep his memory alive and Prayers to us all ! Thanks for the memories Don!Kristin Windeshausen
Fremont, NE Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Dear Family of Mr. J., The world has lost a kind and caring man. I have fond memories of Fremont High School band...entering the band room in the morning and smelling Mr. J's pipe, band trips, early morning band practices, pep band, half time performances, and more. Mr. J always had a smile and a kind word. I always enjoyed talking to him when I would see him around town. RIP Mr. J. You will be missed. Kristin (Windeshausen) HenkeniusRon & Freda Hocking
Terre Haute, IN Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Dear Barb and family, We were saddened to hear of Don’s passing. So many fond memories of all things musical at Fremont High and at church. We will be thinking of all of you in the days and months ahead. We mis all of our Fremont connections but love being close to Brenda and family. Thinking of you and remembering Don’s wonderful smileRon and Freda