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Funeral services were held Thursday, May 5, at the Herman Legion Hall in Herman for Ralph Clare Johnson, 77, who died May 2, 1983, at the home of his daughter, Janet Orton, of Omaha.

The Rev. Gail Axen of Stanton, Nebraska, officiated.

Committal services were offered by the Masonic Landmark Lodge No. 222 and Order if the Eastern Star No. 216 with burial at Herman Cemetery.

Ralph Clare Johnson was born December 25, 1904, on a small farm south of Herman to Mr. and Mrs. John Harvey (Charrie Almeda Butler) Johnson. He attended the Herman School, graduating from Lincoln High School in Lincoln Nebraska, in June, 1923. He received a bachelor of fine arts degree in music from the University of Nebraska in 1932.

While at the university, he was a member of the university orchestra and marching band. He became a professional musician for a few years after graduating and then taught school in Auburn and Chappell, Nebraska.

In the mid 1930’s, Clare returned to Herman to join his father in the family owned telephone business. He became owner and president of the Herman Telephone company went his father died in 1957. He retired in 1971.

He qualified to become a member of Sir Gallahad Priory No. 7, Knights of the York Cross of Honor by serving all of the elected offices of the Lodge and York Rite Bodies. He served out his appointment as Grand Representative to the Phillippines from Nebraska for the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Nebraska since October 13, 1953. Since August 1, 1960, he has also been Grand Representative to South Dakota from Nebraska for the Grand Council cryptic Masons of Nebraska.

He had also served as the assistant Grand Lecturer of Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Nebraska.

He was elected Worthy Patron in 1944 and 1967 of Herman Chapter No. 216, Order of the Eastern Star.

He had served 27 years on the Herman Fire Department, serving as chief in 1953. He was also a working member of the Herman Community Club.

He married Bernice Viola Whitmore on August 22, 1939, at the First Baptist Church in Tekamah, Nebraska. They lived the rest of their lives in Herman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

He is survived by two daughters, Janet Pearl Orton of Omaha and Garnet Charrie Johnson of Herman. Three grandchildren, Phyllis Jeanene Brockmoller, Jeffery Richard Brockmoller and Joy Charrie Orton; one granddaughter, Amy Louise Morris-Brockmoller; one brother and siters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Butler Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Pearl Whitmore of Tekamah; one niece, Karen Elitton; and three great-nieces, Jennifer, Rebecca and Elizabeth Vlitton, al of Colorado Springs, also survive.

Pallbearers were James McNutt, Eugene Husk, William Hart, Dick Barnard. Edward Morrow and Eugene Boroff.

Honorary pallbearers were Frank Korshoj, Stanley Brunton, Elmer Sells, Donald L. Orton, Ross Hatton, Dwight Wubbenhorst, Arthur Morrow, George Chamberlain, Lane Hogan and Arthur Nelson.

He was raised to the degree of Master Mason on May 8, 1934, at Herman Lodge No. 222, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1946. He also served as High Priest of Mackey Chapter No. 24, Royal Arch Masons at Tekamah, Illustrious Master of the Omaha Council No. 1; Royal and Select Masters; Commander of Jordan Commandery No. 15 in Blair; and president of the honorary organization. Order of High Priesthood of Nebraska. He was also a Charter Member of Triad Council No. 33 at Tekamah.