Eugene H. Johannes

Eugene was born on Jan.14, 1944, to Herman and Helena (Harms) Johannes. He grew up in Grand Island and graduated in 1963. After high school Eugene entered the U.S. Air Force. While in the military, he was stationed in North Dakota and Okinawa, Japan, as a weather controller. Eugene served our country from 1963-1967. After his military service was completed, he moved back to Central City. Eugene then married Teresa Heskett on August 2, 1984. While in Central City Eugene worked at the Popcorn Plant, Redman's, and Christiansen Cattle Company. While working for Christiansen Cattle Company, he began driving trucks for them, which began a 43-year career of truck driving. Eugene drove trucks for several different companies, as well as owning and operating his own. During his 43 years of driving trucks he drove over 5.2 million miles. Eugene then married Diane Kettelhake on September 5, 1998. Eugene and Diane moved to Lincoln in April 2011. Due to his health he had to retire in December 2013. He then moved back to Central City in October 2014; which is where he remained until his death. He always considered Merrick County his home.
Eugene enjoyed playing games on his tablet, watching RFD TV, but his greatest love was for his family. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran in Eagle, Central City American Legion Post 6, and OOIDA.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Diane of Lincoln - children; Chastity Grymes and significant other Josh Mauseth of Central City, Billie Jo Johannes and significant other Joe Whitlock of Hastings, Dustin and Lacey Johannes of Central City, Cindy Strong of Central City, and Tim and Bridget McDowell of Central City - sister-in-law; Nadine Johannes - 19 grandchildren; nieces and nephews; Judy and Larry Munn of Falls City, Larry and Linda Johannes of Granite Falls, Wash., and Jeff and Linda Butt of Lincoln, Steve and Gayle Johannes of Fremont, Carol Babcock of Fremont, and Laura and Richard Kielman of Sioux Falls, S.D.
Preceding Eugene in death are his parents; brothers - Arden Johannes and Norvan Johannes and sister-in-law Charlene Johannes - sister; Alvera Butt and brother-in-law Louis Butt; and one nephew; Bruce Butt.