Seth Johnson, 32 of Kearney, died June 17, 2022, in Elm Creek. Seth was born on Oct. 3, 1989, in Kearney, son of Jerri Burkhead and Curt Benjamin.
He grew up with his mother and two brothers in Overton and attended Overton Public Schools until second grade. The family then moved to Wamego, Kansas to be with Seth’s future step-father Dale Burkhead, where he attended school until eighth grade. Then his family moved back to Nebraska to Gothenburg, and he attended Gothenburg High School from 8th - 12th grade. During his high school years he was involved in FFA, wrestling, football and the Baptist Church Youth Group. Seth met the love of his life, Kelsey, his senior year of high school, and the two soon became inseparable. After graduation, he attended Wayne State College for two years and then attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney for two years, graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice. Seth married Kelsey Houchin on Aug. 3, 2013, in Gothenburg. The couple were blessed with a baby boy, Oliver Johnson, on Aug. 12, 2017.
He took great pride in his profession, and worked as an officer for the State of Nebraska Probation District #10. Seth's hobbies included hunting, fishing, watching football, golfing, and spending time with friends and family. He loved his son more than anything.
Survivors include wife, Kelsey Johnson of Kearney; son, Oliver Johnson of Kearney; father, Curt (Deb) Benjamin of Lexington; mother and step-father, Jerri ( Dale) Burkhead of Gothenburg; mother in law, Peggy Houchin of Lexington; grandmother, Patty Benjamin of Lexington; grandmother, Shirley Burkhead of Overton; two brothers, Aaron (Mia) Johnson of Gothenburg, and Jake (Jovina) Lanini of Lincoln; one sister, Jacque Scroggin of Cozad; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.
Seth was preceded in death by grandparents, Ina and Robert Wurster: grandfather, Gene Burkhead; grandfather, Bill Benjamin; cousin, Jason Vance, and great aunt-in-law, Marlene Houchin aka, Gary.
Memorial Services will be held at First Baptist Church, 1002 Avenue C in Gothenburg on Saturday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Dan Urman officiating. Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the family for later designation. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.