Arnold Johnson

Arnold Johnson a true cowboy and rancher passed from this world Sept 13 2025 in Crawford NE. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Oct. 1 at 2:00 p.m., at the Crawford Community building. Fellowship to follow.

Arnold was born on August 27, 1930, in Marsland, Nebraska, to Earl and Beryl (Blackmer) Johnson. He was the first son in a family that included four girls and five boys. Arnold spent his childhood in and around this rural community with his siblings and numerous cousins. He attended Riverside School, a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Marsland High School in 1948 in a class of three.

After high school, Arnold joined the Army Air Corps during the Korean Conflict. He married Myrna Holder in Crawford on November 26 1952, arriving by horseback despite a snowstorm. They had two children, Webb Lee and Wendy Lu. The couple worked for many ranchers before settling on the home place south of Crawford, later moving to the Ball place and then Crawford. Arnold was a skilled horseman who excelled at breaking and training numerous horses and teams. He took particular pride in his large gray gelding, John, as well as his final team, Bill and Baldie. Additionally, he enjoyed engaging in pinochle and pitch games with friends and family.

Arnold played many roles in his life: cowboy, rancher, horseman , county commissioner, friend, card player, husband, dad, brother, uncle, and grandpa—his favorite role. He cherished time with his granddaughters, teaching them about horses, cards, and marbles, and often winning. Arnold also shared these passions with his great-grandchildren, particularly Haley's kids.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Myrna; his son Webb (Dianne); and his grandchildren; Haley (Art) Anders, Amber (Brian) Mees, Kelsey (Tehl) Keslar, Crystal (David) Whitby, Shayna (Zac) Meier and Mike Obryan. He is also survived by his sister Iris (Topsy) Wilkins, as well as his great-grandchildren Rope, Dalli, Ty, and Cash Anders; Lilli, Averie, and Ellie Mae Obryan; Alayna, Patrick, and Tate Keslar; Madison, William, and JD Whitby; Abby, Katie, and Lizzy Mees; Ellie, Zoey, and Mark Meier. Additionally, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Mark Smades; granddaughters Angie Sue Obryan and Myriah Johnson, his parents, Earl Johnson and Beryl Johnson; his sisters Opal Hinchley, Leolla (Pard) Morava, and Bonnie Freeman; his brothers Ray, Roy, Floyd and Dave Johnson.

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Fire Department /Rescue Unit Fund