John F. Johnson

Sept. 10, 1942-May 16, 2011

CAMBRIDGE, Nebraska -- John F. Johnson, 68, died Monday (May 16, 2011) at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Cambridge on Sept. 10, 1942, to Henry Arnold and Henrietta Marie (Franklin) Johnson. John attended and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1960. He attended Kearney State College playing football and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business in 1964. John joined the U.S. Army in March 1965 and served his tour of duty in Germany being discharged in March of 1967. John later earned a master's degree in physical education from Kearney State College.

On June 7, 1969, he was united in marriage to Colleen K. Moore. The couple began a teaching career at Stamford, Nebraska. John then taught six years at Bertrand High School and was head football and wrestling coach. His wrestling team captured a state wrestling title while he was at Bertrand. John and Colleen moved back to Cambridge in 1975. During his years at Cambridge, John taught business and physical education. he also served as head football coach, assistant basketball coach and junior high football coach.

John enjoyed being outdoors. He was an avid bow and rifle hunter for deer. He enjoyed his garden and restoring old vehicles. John retired from teaching in 2004. John also ran a clothing store and sporting goods store in Cambridge called Mr. J's Sports.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen of Cambridge; two sons, Tracy of Denver, Colorado, and Chris of Cambridge; two sisters, Sharon and husband, Harvey of La Guna Nigual, California, and Karen and husband, Don West of Cannan, New Hampshire; and one brother, Don and wife, Judy Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska.

Funeral services are Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church in Cambridge with Bill Weaver officiating. Burial is in Fairview Cemetery of Cambridge.

Memorials may be left in John's name at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Friends may leave online condolences at lockenour.com.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.