Mary Katherine ‘Kay’ Johnson, age 77, of North Platte, NE, died at home on Saturday, December 26, 2015, with family at her side after a prolonged fight with cancer.

Kay was born November 4, 1938, in Oak Grove, MO, the daughter of Ray and Eva Peerson. She grew up in Oak Grove and graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS then from Kansas State University with a BA in Education and Sociology, Phi Kappa Phi Honorary, in 1960. In 1980, she earned a Master’s Degree in Family Life Education, Omicron Nu Honorary, from Kansas State.

Kay married Dr. Jerre Johnson on August 20, 1960, and they lovingly raised three daughters and a son. She was very involved in her children’s lives and taught Sunday school, 4-H programs, Cub Scouts and Brownies. In addition to raising four children Kay balanced graduate school and a career. She started teaching Kindergarten in Gower, MO for two years, taught night classes in Aging at Mid Plains Community College for 2 semesters, and worked at the Lincoln County Attorney’s office for two years. Kay then became Executive Director of Peoples Family Planning of North Platte and managed that agency for 17 years.

Kay’s passions outside her family included reading, music, traveling, Sudoku and beating her husband in Backgammon. She loved raising flowers but not weeding. She was a long time member of the Theatre Guild, enjoyed PEO, was Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow and a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. Kay was a Husker football fan, except when they played Kansas State, then she and her mother-in-law exchanged words. Kay was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Jerre L. Johnson, of North Platte; daughters, Janelle Sullivan, of Boone, IA, Cheryl Johnson, of Orlando, FL, and Kristin (Brandon) Taylor, of Longmont, CO; son, Mark Johnson, of North Platte; three grandchildren Kelli Sullivan, of North Platte and Kyle and Sara Taylor, of Longmont, CO; a great-grandson, Sean Ellis, of North Platte, her sister, Judy (Bob) Vilumis, of Overland Park, KS; longtime friend, Dee Weber, of Lexington, NE; and other family and friends.

Per her request, cremation was chosen and a private family memorial service will be held. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Goodfellow Shoe Fund or the donor’s choice.

Donald L. Tobiasson, 92, of North Platte passed away December 26, 2015 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.  He was born April 17, 1923 in Gibbon, NE to Jens and Evesta Rubina (Hogrefe) Tobiasson.  Don grew up south of North Platte where he farmed with his family.  He married Helen Campbell on August 3, 1946 in North Platte.  The couple lived on the home place where they raised cattle and farmed.  Donald also worked for Lincoln County, running a maintainer, worked at the sale barn, and at the North Platte experiment station for the University of Nebraska.  Donald played baseball for the Lakeside Team.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Survivors include four sons, Gary (Char) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Ronald (Randa) of North Platte, Marty (Dottie) of Chadron, and Mark (Leisa) of Hershey; grandchildren, Chad  Tobiasson, Amy (John) Picray, Brian (Leanne) Tobiasson, Julie (Brian) Newland, Trent (Cammie) Tobiasson, Nate (Megan) Cain, Troy (Kelsey) Tobiasson, Travis (Ariele) Tobiasson, Trisha and Tara Tobiasson; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Wade Picray, Hunter, Jens and True Tobiasson, Mason and Zane Newland, Nathan, Ashley, Taden and Tanner Tobiasson, Lilli, Lizzi, and Trace Tobiasson, Preah and Thaxston Tobiasson and Rusty Tobiasson; sisters-in-law, Caro Campbell and Lila Campbell; and a brother-in-law, Pete (Lynne) Campbell; and numerous family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; infant brother, Guy; sister and brother-in-law, Edna (Gale) Galloway; brother and sister-in-law, Danny (Mary) Tobiasson; and a granddaughter, Jodi Tobiasson Cain.

Memorials are suggested to the Gift of Hope Cancer Foundation and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Bethel Evangelical Free Church with Pastor George Cheek officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation will be noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.