Died Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Heritage in Omaha
Barbara Beth Johnson, was born May 26, 1936, in Lincoln, NE to Harvey and Dorothy Yokel. Friend, NE was where she lived and worked in the family business, Yokel's Hardware & Furniture. After going to a kindergarten Sunday school she really liked the way Miss Bowls played the piano. She went home and talked about it then Santa Claus brought her a piano on Christmas Eve. She took piano lessons in town until her high school music teacher recommended studying with a Doane College music faculty member in Crete. She was blessed with wonderful parents who kept her on the straight and narrow and always gave her many opportunities.
The organist at church was a lovely lady who taught her a lot about the pipe organ. She started playing on Sunday and for weddings and funerals. She grew up in a family that always reinforced the appropriate manners, the right way to do things and how to treat people. She spent a great deal of time with her Grandma Yokel. They always had fun and she learned a lot from her. Barbara enjoyed school and succeeded easily. She would credit that to living in a small town, spending time with adults, and having a supportive family and community.
She studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and joined Kappa Delta and a music sorority. In June 1956, she married Stanley Eberspacher; they had three children: Keith, Jane, and Carl. After several moves, the family settled in Fremont in 1966.
In addition to being a lifelong church organist and giving piano lessons for over 50 years, Barbara played for countless weddings and funerals. She spent many hours accompanying soloists for music contests, many evenings in rehearsals for the high school musicals and taught advanced piano at Midland College. Barbara was an active PEO member, played the piano for Rotary as an honorary member and a Paul Harris fellow.
Barbara married Don Johnson in February 1984. Their 37-year marriage brought more happiness than anticipated. Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. They traveled, attended concerts, dined out, and enjoyed their blended family.
Numerous times Don and Barbara (through Nebraska Ambassadors of Music) took students on trips to Europe. They credited their success to the great students, teachers and others that helped staff the trips. After being in every state, twenty-nine countries and sixty airports, they were happy to spend their last years in Fremont.
She is preceded in death by her husband Don, parents Harvey and Dorothy Yokel and daughter-in-law Mary Johnson. She is survived by her brother John (Joan) Yokel, children Keith (Crystal) Eberspacher, Jane (Steve) Flanagan, Carl (Ginger) Eberspacher, Sherman (Tammy) Johnson and Bret Johnson, grandchildren Jena (Jermain) Leslie, Kara (Kevin) Heim, Aidan Eberspacher, Kyle Flanagan, Bill Flanagan, Natasha Eberspacher, Haley Eberspacher, Tyler (Marie) Johnson, Travis (Morgan) Johnson, Trey Johnson, great grandchildren Sadie Heim, Lela Heim, Zibby Heim, Eli Flanagan, Liam Flanagan and Matson Johnson.
Visitation is scheduled for June 12 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont, NE. Her funeral is on June 13 at 10:00 AM, followed by lunch at First United Methodist Church in Fremont, NE.
Donations in her memory may be given to the First United Methodist Church, a place where she enjoyed many cherished times and events.
Ludvigsen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(4)
Shelly Gerdes Olson
Wymore, NE Wednesday, May 13, 2026 My husband Bill and I send our sympathy to Barbara's family. I have many great memories of Barbara when I was a student at FHS, as a student teacher with them, and through my own band directing career. They gave me an outstanding music education. Barbara's piano skills were superb!! I loved having her as my accompanist through the years. I have special memories playing flute at my mom's funeral with Barbara as my accompanist.Some of my students and parents were so fortunate to be on the Nebraska Ambassadors European Tour with them. I was a staff member on one tour. I can still remember seeing Don & Barbara, hand in hand, strolling down a beautiful lane in Rottenberg Germany. I thought to myself, how precious they were to me, and how so many people felt that way about them. I can only imagine the influence they had on thousands of students they took on tour, and the many students from Fremont Public Schools that had these two people teach them. In many respects, they were like parents for me, who taught me music, making good life decisions, and caring about my professional and private life. May we all cherish our memories, and may Don and Barbara have the most wonderful reunion in heaven.
With sympathy and love,
Shelly & Bill Olson
Rev. Joe Scahill
Keizer, OR Monday, May 11, 2026 The team of Barb Johnson and Bob Yanike enhanced not only the high school and other civic events but the music ministry at Fremont First United Methodist Church where I served as pastor from 1984 to 1991. Our children toured Europe with Barb and Don. We continued dinners together long after my pastorate in Fremont. One of my favorite Barb stories is from a wedding rehearsal as we stood at the front of the sanctuary when a very good looking young priest entered as he was to assist in the wedding. Barb whispered to me, "What a waste!"Barb, rest in peace.
Joe and Marilyn Scahill
Tim Howard
Fremont, NE Saturday, May 2, 2026 Jane & Carl,So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a wonderful and talented lady. I have so many good (and funny) memories of working with her. Over 25 years after working together I still quote her in conversations. She was not only a good friend but a mentor as well. I know she will be missed by you and your family, but she will also be missed by the hundreds of people whose lives she blessed. May God comfort you during this time of grief.
Tim & Lora
Nancy Hoshor
Fremont, NE Saturday, May 2, 2026 My Deepest Sympathy