Maxine M. Johnson, 94, of Kearney, formerly of Riverdale, Nebraska died Monday, Aug.10, 2026 at St. John’s Good Samaritan Center in Kearney.
Memorial services will be on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 12 p.m. at the Riverdale Community Hall. There will be no visitation and private family interment will be at a later date.
Memorials can be directed to the family for later designation.
Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence.
Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Maxine was born on Dec. 18, 1931 in Lyons, Nebraska to Vitt E and Edna M (Kempcke) Pond. She attended Decatur High School graduating at the age of 16. She went on to attend Business College in Sioux City, Iowa.
She married Edwin Johnson on Sept. 30, 1950. As we gathered to talk with her and share stories, she told us of their first kiss, she knew he was the one from that moment on. Ed worked for the Department of Roads and they lived in their trailer as his work took them throughout the Sandhills, central and southeast Nebraska. The final tally on the number of moves and relocation stands at 32. She says they moved to avoid paying the paper boy.
Maxine was a very talented and accomplished seamstress. Not only did she sew for her family, but she created many custom bridal gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. She also knitted and quilted. Everything from afghans, sweaters, mittens, and scarves to baby blankets and baby booties for new ones coming into the family. Most of her children received quilts that were made by both Gramma Edna and Maxine.
One of her most amazing projects was compiling a Genealogy for the Pond side of the family going back to the 500’s complete with pictures and some documents. Painstakingly done without the use of any computer or software. We hope to upload that to Ancestry.com and maybe fill in some blanks.
She was also a very good cook, her famous potato salad was a staple at family gatherings. Steve, Jeff and Travis say they have the recipe – we hope so. Ed always said that Maxine’s fried chicken ‘sealed the deal’ for him.
One of their greatest joys was watching their Grandkids participate in sports and activities. Dance, Theatre, Baton, BMX Racing, Football, Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball and Wrestling added many miles to their vehicles. They were blessed and proud to witness great performances, plays, games, matches and several State Titles.
Maxine and Ed had five children, Dr. Susan King of Arizona, Danita (Kern) Beadle of Kearney, Marta (Ray) Nelson of Wayne, Steve Johnson of Kearney and Jeffrey Johnson of Riverdale; fourteen grandchildren: Nellie & Nathan, Beau, Summer & Travis, Step Grands Ross and Kim, Jeremy, Daniel, Matthew, Mitch, Miles, Tessa and Tanner; 25 great grandchildren: Riayn, Logann, Tatum, Ryan, Brianna, Maquel, Terrell, Kadance, Genevieve, Alexandria, Cheyenne, Brandon, Darling, Everly, Sidney, Londyn, Elijah, Mason, Lincoln, Weston, McKenna, Adalynn, Bradley, Sawyer, Quinn and Callum, 2 1/2 great-great grandchildren: Aurora, Onyx and one on the way.
Maxine is also survived by her brother, Duane Pond and his children; sister-in-law, Lois Johnson, her immediate family, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Edwin Johnson; parents, Vitt & Edna Pond; Ed’s parents, Dwight and Genevieve; sister-in-law, MaryAnn; Ed’s siblings and their wives, Clayton, Wayne and Verna, Byron and Iris, George and Grace, Fred and sister, Marilyn and Don, daughter-in-law, Barbara; grandsons, Nathan King and Daniel Nelson; many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Maxine participated in drafting this, her life story. Steve thought an appropriate response should be, “I am Maxine Johnson and I approve this message”. She smiled and laughed. The family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.
