Eric Johnson

***The service recording is available below the obituary.***

Eric Johnson, 82, of Atlantic, IA, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025, at home.

Eric was born on April 6, 1943, in Denver, CO, the son of Alvin and Josephine Johnson. He grew up on the Chadron State College Campus in Chadron, NE, until his family moved to West 9th Street. He attended Chadron State College Preparatory School and was active in band, swimming, and track until his senior year when the school closed. Eric graduated from Chadron High School in 1962, where he was the recipient of the John Phillip Sousa Band Award.

After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Chadron State College, he attended Mankato State University in Minnesota and received his Master’s Degree in French Horn Performance and Conducting. While in Mankato he played in the Minnesota Orchestra, Barnum and Bailey Circus, and other college and area groups.

He began his 54-year teaching career in Ord, NE. Other schools where he taught included Ainsworth and Oakland, NE; Atlantic and Avoca, IA; Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO; and Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.

On June 23, 1973, he married Beth Bennett at the home of her parents in Bassett, NE.

He is survived by his wife Beth and his brother The Reverend Doctor Kurt Johnson of New York City.

A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic.

Memorials may be directed to the Atlantic Community School Foundation, attention Steve Tjepkes, Foundation Treasurer, AMU, 15 West 3rd Street, Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Eric's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.