Rita was born July 24, 1940 to Henry and Viola (Beck) Gerwick at home in Snyder, NE. She attended school at Snyder where she was a cheerleader, band majorette and baton twirler also giving piano lessons and played organ in church.
She married Richard (Dick) Johnson on September 28, 1958. They moved to Fremont and Rita worked at Schweser's department store. The couple moved to a farm south of Snyder where they had 2 of their 3 children. Later they moved back to Fremont and raised their family. Rita was a homemaker until 1973 when along side of her husband they opened a business, Johnson's Cycle that is still operating today. She was a longtime member of Fremont Alliance Church and was very involved with missionary work and enjoyed many meetings of the Christian Women's Club.
Through the business Dick and Rita were able to travel including trips to Beijing China, Japan, Germany, Australia, Hawaii and Africa. They also enjoyed many motorcycle trips across the country.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, sons Brian (Tami) Johnson of Arlington and Mike (Joni) Johnson of Redding, CA, grandsons Cody (Carly) Johnson, Curt (Lexi) Johnson and Tyler Johnson along with 5 great grandchildren, sister Sharon Ash, brother-in-law Robert Johnson, sisters-in-law Ellen (Dennis) Hansen and Jackie Cosseboom and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Brenda, sister Lola Mae Giesselmann Scheer, brothers in law Larry Giesselmann and Tim Ash and sister-in-law Sharon Johnson.
Services to be held 10:30am, Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Fremont Alliance Church with a graveside service at Memorial Cemetery and lunch to follow. Visitation at Ludvigsen Mortuary on Monday from 3pm to 8pm with family present from 6-8pm.
Memories to be directed to Fremont Alliance Church Preschool.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(1)
Claire Smutz
Fremont, NE Friday, April 4, 2025 So sorry to read Rita passed on. Such a sweet lady with a big heart and smile. Rest in peace Rita! You will be missed by many. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Bob & Claire Smutz