Rudolph Johnson

Rudolph (Rudy) Walter Johnson, 88, passed away peacefully on June 25 while in hospice care at the Greene County Medical Center.

A funeral service was held June 27 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, with words of comfort by the Rev. Charlie Thompson, of Greenbrier Methodist Church.

Music included “What Child Is This,” with soloist Gary Haupert and accompanist Lula Garnes.

Casket bearers were Steve Schnebly, Doug Lawton, Rod Frederick, Gene Weaver, Luke Hoyle and Matthew Hoyle.

Interment was in the Greenbrier Twp. Cemetery.

Graveside military rites were given by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard, Jefferson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9599 and Floyd Brown American Legion Post 11, with Victoria Chargo, bugler.

Rudy was born Sept. 13, 1931, in Chicago to Gust and Taletta Husvik Johnson. The family moved to the farm in Greenbrier Twp. in 1937. Rudy lived, then farmed there, the rest of his life.

Rudy graduated from Bayard High School in 1951. As a youth, he was involved in 4-H, basketball and softball.  As an adult, Rudy continued playing sports for many decades.

In 1952, Rudy became a Marine and was stationed in Japan for two years during the Korean War. He was also in the Reserves for six years, receiving an honorable discharge in April 1960.

He was a 58-year member of the American Legion.

Rudy belonged to Floyd W. Brown American Legion Post 11 and David M. Mosher VFW Post 9599. Rudy honorably represented both organizations by faithfully performing military funeral honors and Memorial Day services. He also served as color guard for parades and football games.

Karen McCool and Rudy were married on Dec. 4, 1966, in Guthrie Center. They were divorced in 1984.

As a regular blood donor, Rudy was able to donate more than 50 gallons. Rudy was also a cancer survivor and participated in the Survivors Walk at the Greene County Relay for Life.

Rudy and longtime friend LaVonne were avid dancers (waltzing was their favorite) for almost 20 years.

While a lifelong member of the Greenbrier United Methodist Church, Rudy faithfully attended Sunday services.

Rudy is survived by his brother, Charles (Susan) Johnson; several nieces and nephews and their children; and brother-in-law Dennis Naughton.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anne Naughton.

Rudy’s final resting place is Greenbrier Twp. Cemetery alongside his parents.

Memorials may be made to Greenbrier United Methodist Church, VFW Post 9599 in Jefferson, American Legion Post 11 in Jefferson, or the Relay for Life of Greene County.

Services were arranged by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.