Joan Elizabeth Johnson

Joan Elizabeth Johnson was born on June 3, 1941 in Omaha, NE to John and Elsie (Steeden) Christiansen. She grew up in Elkhorn and attended Elkhorn High School. In 1958, Joan married Randall Kellams, and they had two children together, Lou Ann and Ron. She later married Donald Johnson in 1963, and they also had two children together, Deborah and Douglas. Joan raised her children in Valley, NE. Throughout her life, Joan had many jobs, including working at Christiansen 66 in Elkhorn, waitressing/bartending at various restaurants, doing freelance painting, and working at Ace Hardware in Elkhorn. While her place of work changed over the years, the one thing that stayed consistent was the excellent work ethic she consistently showed; she was always reliable, dedicated, and hardworking. In her free time, Joan enjoyed going bowling. She liked to watch birds; American Goldfinches and Cardinals were her favorites. She also loved to help her children and grandchildren with home renovation projects; she was an expert with drywall, plumbing, and painting. On more than one occasion, one of her family members came home to a surprise project she had started in their home. Joan was very well liked, and those who knew her knew how stubborn she could be, how she was honest to a fault, and how compassionate and loving she was. On August 26, 2026, Joan passed away at the age of 85 at her home in Valley, NE, where she wished to be. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elsie Christiansen; daughter, Deborah Johnson; twin grandsons, Jerel and Jacob Kellams; brothers: Rudy Christiansen, Wilbur Christiansen, and Howard Christiansen; and sisters: Donna Green, Dorothy Oetken, Mildred Richards, and Kathy Huscroft. She is survived by her children: Lou Ann Dooley (Vince), Ronald Kellams (Carol), and Douglas Johnson (Debra); 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Kenny Christiansen (Caryn), Larry Christiansen (Deb), and Bobby Christiansen (Theresa); sisters: Marie Witt, Beverly Smith (Dwain), Linda Lynch (Dennis), and Lois Haldeman; and sister-in-law, Judy Christiansen. A visitation will be held from 9-10 AM on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. A memorial service will follow at 10:00 AM. Inurnment will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Elkhorn.

Joan Elizabeth Johnson

June 3, 1941 - August 26, 2026