Private graveside services for Dean Johnson will be at a later date in the O'Neill Cemetery. Dean passed away on Monday, May 5, 2021 at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Virgil Dean Johnson was born north of O'Neill, Nebraska on July 22, 1938 to Francis and Ethel (Bausch) Johnson. He attended O'Neill Public School through the 8th grade.

Dean met Bonnie Witherwax at a dance in Lynch, Nebraska. The couple was married on October 21, 1955 in O'Neill. To this union, five children were born; Dick, Leland, Don, Deana, and Luana. He worked various jobs, but is best remembered for operating Johnson Custom Hay Hauling. Bonnie passed away in 1990. In 1991 Dean married Frances Coburn.

Dean enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved hunting, especially coyotes with dogs. He also made a couple trips to hunt elk in Idaho and Colorado.

Dean is survived by his five children, Dick (Mary) Johnson of Fremont, Leland Johnson of O'Neill, Don Johnson of Fremont, Deana (Gary) Soukup of O'Neill, Luana (Randy) Ryan of Niobrara; Francis Coburn of O'Neill and her four children, Doug (Marsha) Coburn of Butte, Penny (Brent) Burnt of Butte, Donna Coburn of Butte, Greg (Cathy) Coburn; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; sister, Darleen (Leonard) Mahlendorf of Norfolk; Brothers-in-law, Ray (Claranna) Witherwax of Atkinson, Leo (Esterlita) Witherwax; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Johnson; brother, Darryl Johnson; and granddaughter, Suzanne Fuhrer.