Harriet J. Johnson

Harriet J. Koch Johnson

Harriet passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, just one day following her 88th birthday, at Oxbow Living Center in Ashland, Nebraska.
Born March 8, 1938, in Otoe, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Harry & Vera (Tiede) Kastens.
After growing up on the family farm, Harriet graduated from Otoe High School in 1956, where she played volleyball, softball, a cheerleader and enjoyed playing the piano.
Driven by a passion for adventure and travel, Harriet planned to achieve her goal by joining the US Navy, but when things didn't go as expected, she pivoted to business school in Lincoln, Nebraska instead.
She married Richard H. Koch on November 2, 1957, and moved to Chicago, where he was stationed in the US Navy. After he was honorably discharged, they moved to Omaha, Nebraska. She went on to devote over 35 years of mentoring cadets and supporting the Military Science Department at Creighton ROTC, leaving behind an indelible legacy that will be remembered forever.
On June 26, 1999, she remarried. Her union with Ken opened a beautiful new chapter, one overflowing with friends, a bonus family, camping, golf, church and endless fellowship. Affectionately known as Husker Harriet, she was a true fan, cheering on Nebraska football and volleyball religiously. They eventually bought a place in Apache Junction, Arizona and soon became regular snowbirds and her days became a celebration of the things she loved the most. One of her wildest adventures was when she heard her name called to “come on down” on Price Is Right with Drew Carey. Despite her initial hesitation she walked away winning a hot tub, a smoker and a camera.
Though Alzheimer’s began to change the landscape of her daily life, it could never erase the love she held for her family. We learned to find joy in the small, quiet moments and the endless fellowship that remained at her core. Even though she could no longer remember the stories and details herself, we found peace in remembering for her; the warm Christmas celebrations and bountiful meals she prepared, the heavenly pies and desserts she made that in her opinion, were deemed “flops”, the silliness of her losing track of her husband, “Where’s Ken?” Though her journey on earth has ended, she is now free from the fog of Alzheimer’s, her true spirit is restored and will live on forever in our hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ken, former husband Richard, and twin brother Harold. She is survived by her son Mike (Darla), daughter Melissa (former husband Jim), grandchildren, Brandon (Sabrina), Andrew (Shannon), Ashley (Tyler), Aaron (Samantha), Matthew (Stephanie) and Alec and 13 great-grandchildren with one more expected in July. She is also survived by brothers Richard (Jeanette) Kastens and Calvin (Cece) Kastens, and many nephews and nieces.


Visitation: 6:00-8 pm, Thursday, March 12th, 2026, at Braman Mortuary Millard Chapel.
Celebration of Life: Friday, March 13th, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Millard.
Donations in Harriet’s honor may be made to the family.