Verle Johnson

Verle Johnson, 75, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 5:35 a.m., Thursday, July 30th, 2015 at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas. Verle I. Johnson, the son of Leslie D. and Donnia M. (Rush) Johnson, was born on his parents farm rural Langley, Kansas on December 24, 1939. He was one of four children born to this union, three sons and one daughter, Dean, Verle, Elsie, and John. Verle attended the Langley school, Langley, Kansas and graduated from Marquette High School, Marquette, Kansas in 1957. Verle, met the girl of his dreams at the A&W Root Beer stand in the summer of 1958. Verle was united in marriage to Rachel L. Miller on August 2, 1959 at Roxbury Presbyterian Church, Roxbury, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in McPherson, Kansas. This union was blessed with the birth of two children, a son and a daughter, Kevin and Kristie. Verle and Rachel joined Trinity Lutheran Church where they were faithful members. Through the years Verle worked for Pyle Construction Company, as a crane operator and Road Forman for McPherson County, owned and operated V. Johnson Construction and Remodeling, and was a farmer and cattleman. Verle was a member of and president of the Rural Water District #4, served on the DS & O Electric Board, and McPherson County Planning and Zoning Board. Verle was a Christian, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend. His wise counsel, firm guidance, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. He was very proud of his children and always wanted the best for them. Verle was especially proud of his grandkids, always looking forward to their visits and times they would share together. Verle enjoyed hunting, farming, playing cards, eating homemade ice cream, and break time was very important to him. His favorite pastime was spending time with his Babe, Rachel. Verle I. Johnson, 75, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 5:35 a.m., Thursday, July 30th, 2015 while in the company of family members, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita, Kansas. Verle was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Elsie Platner. Verle is survived by his loving and devoted wife of fifty-six years, Rachel Johnson, of McPherson, Kansas; his children Kevin Johnson and his wife Rhonda, of Beavercreek, Ohio and Kristie Torgerson and her husband Brennan, of Buhler, Kansas; his brothers, Dean Johnson and his wife Lois, of Marquette, Kansas, and John Johnson and his wife Ruby, of McPherson, Kansas; his four grandchildren, Amelia Fisher and her husband Chris, Trevor Torgerson, Angela Johnson, and Taryn Torgerson; his faithful sidekick Bella; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He was also loved and supported by his brother and sister-in-laws, Shirley Unruh, Opal Specker, RK and Shirley Miller, Ken and Beth Miller. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2015 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson, Kansas. Graveside services will be held at New Gottland Lutheran Church Cemetery McPherson, Kansas at 9:00 a.m., on Monday, August 3rd, 2015. The memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson, Kansas, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 3rd, 2015 with The Reverend Tim Leaf officiating. Special music “Cattle Call” will be played. “These Hands”, “Amazing Grace”, and “On Eagles Wings” will be sung by Robert Calhoun and accompanied by Rochelle Calhoun.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or New Gottland Lutheran Church in memory of Verle and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460CASKET BEARERSTrevor Torgerson Chris Fisher Kasey AlstattGary Patrick Doug Unruh Jim WenderottHONORARY CASKET BEARERSCharles Clark Jim Staggs Keith JohnstonDennis Chinberg Del PetersonVerlin Campbell Ag RegierUSHERSEarl Esping Dwayne Mowbry

Verle Johnson

July 30, 2015