Gerald E. "Jake" Johannes

Gerald E. “Jake” Johannes, 72, of Central City, died on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Bryan Medical Center – East Campus. Funeral services will be on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City with Rev. Kevin McReynolds officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 30th from 5-7 p.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home in Central City. Memorials are suggested to the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Jake was born on June 6, 1946 to Eugene A. and Mildred L. (Kapels) Johannes in Columbus, NE. Jake grew up in the Creston area, attending grade school at St. John’s Elementary School, and graduated from Creston High School in 1964. Following high school, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from UNL, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving in Germany during the Vietnam War. Jake was then honorably discharged, and went back to UNL for a year. He then married Nickie Smith at the United Methodist Church in Central City on June 16, 1972. After their marriage, Jake worked for Bonnavilla Homes in Aurora for several years until moving to Russell, Kansas. They then made their home in a couple of different communities until moving to Broken Bow in 1978. While in Broken Bow, Jake worked for Beckton Dickinson as a purchasing agent, until 1991. They then moved their family to Central City in 1991, and he began working for Chief Industries in Aurora and Kearney. He worked there until his health forced him to retire. Jake then helped take care of his grandchildren and worked part time at True Value in Central City. Jake was a lifelong Husker football fan, he enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, and always had time to share stories with customers at True Value. His greatest love was getting to spend time with his family, and especially his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City, as well as American Legion Post #6. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife; Nickie of Central City, his children; Jeanette (Ryan) Schwartz of Grand Island, James (Kelley) Johannes of Boiling Springs, SC, and Mark Johannes of Central City, his siblings; Merle (Joyce) Johannes of Columbus, Myron (Nancy) Johannes of Columbus, Leroy (Lois) Johannes of Columbus, and Susan (Jerry) Vyhlidal of Columbus, and 7 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son; Michael Johannes.

Gerald E. "Jake" Johannes

June 6, 1946 - January 27, 2019