Erna Elizabeth Johns

Erna Elizabeth was born February 24, 1934 to Rev. Daniel and Elizabeth (Eckel) Scholl in the parsonage near Ellis, KS during a snow storm in the dust bowl years. A sheet was placed over her crib to keep the dust out. Erna was baptized on March 9, 1934 at St. John's Lutheran by her father. Because Erna lived in the country and was much younger than her four brothers, she entertained herself in unique ways like identifying shapes of animals in the clouds and walking in the cemetery with her cat in a baby buggy. Erna moved to Eaton, CO when she was 9, and then to rural Talmage, NE when she was 11. Erna was married to Merle Henry Johns on July 9, 1953 at St. Paul Lutheran by her father. They made their home in Cook, NE and were blessed with children Mark, Danette, and Scott whom she loved dearly. Erna was a woman of deep faith. She lived out her faith as she cared for her home and family; by being a trusted friend and confidante; through volunteering at church, in the community, and at school; and by visiting shut-ins and caring for those in need. There was nothing Erna loved more than spending time with her family and friends. Erna and Merle attended symphony orchestra concerts and were in a pinochle club. She attended her children's sports events and concerts, tied quilts and cross-stitched, tended flower and vegetable gardens. Erna's parents gave her a piano for her 12th birthday, and music remained important her entire life. She accompanied musicals and soloists in high school, gave piano lessons for many years, and played the piano and organ during worship and for weddings. Erna also loved to sing and was the choir director at Grace Lutheran in Cook. Erna was a stay at home mom until she and Merle moved to Lincoln, where she was a waitress and then a home health aid with Tabitha Senior Care Services for 10 years. Erna was an active member at Sheridan Lutheran, where she attended Bible study and was a member of the prayer team. After Erna retired, she lived with her daughter in Storm Lake, IA and then In the Tabitha independent apartments in Lincoln. At Tabitha Erna played pinochle, planned and accompanied a weekly hymn sing and monthly worship service, and provided transportation for friends. During those retirement years she enjoyed traveling, and fulfilled a dream with 3 trips to Germany to visit relatives of both her parents. Erna moved to Havelock Manor (HM) Assisted Living in January 2018 after a fall. At HM Erna continued playing the piano; attended Bible study and worship; enjoyed winning chocolates at bingo; raised a glass of Zinfandel at Friday happy hour; and was blessed by visits, phone calls, and cards from family and friends. Erna was a huge Cornhusker football and volleyball fan, donning red and shaking her pompom. Though the years at HM required many adjustments and relinquishing of independence, Erna faced these challenges with grace and courage. She was an inspiration to her children and loved by the HM staff, who provided tremendous care. In the final months, Erna received additional care from a wonderful Tabitha Hospice team. Erna died peacefully on September 18 in her room at HM right after a visit from her pastor, and surrounded by her daughter, friend, and hospice nurse. Erna was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Elizabeth; parents-in-law Andrew and Martha; husband Merle; sister-in-law Irma and husband Al Runyon; brothers Ludwig (Helen), William (Dorothy), Karl (Elizabeth), Paul; son-in-law Donald Rehner; and other beloved family and friends. Erna is survived by her children and their wonderful spouses, Mark (Lynda), Danette, Scott (Lisa); step- granddaughter Amy (Whitney) Elmore; nieces and nephews; and other beloved family and friends. A Celebration of Life service for Erna will be held Monday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Sheridan Lutheran Church in Lincoln, 6955 Old Cheney Rd. A viewing will be held at 1:00 at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be brought to the service or sent to one of Erna's children