Gene and Beverly Johnson Trust Continues Couple's Support for Wausa

Lifelong Wausa couple Gene and Beverly Johnson shared a passion for their community, and a trust they established benefits the missions of multiple area organizations for years to come while continuing their long tradition of generosity and dedication.

The Gene and Beverly Johnson Trust generates funds to be distributed among the Wausa Public School Foundation, Thabor Lutheran Church, the Lincoln Township Library and Wausa Community Foundation Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

Gene, a former WCFF advisory committee member, allowed for the Fund to use the money as it sees fit for the betterment of the community. The gift will serve as a perpetual reminder of the couple's commitment to Wausa said FAC Member Darren Vanness.

"He was the most positive man you would ever meet," Vanness said. "Every day was a sunny day to Gene."

Gene's dedication touched almost every aspect of the community. In addition to his time with WCFF, he served on the Lincoln Township Library and Woodlawn Cemetery boards. He was also the Sunday school superintendent at Thabor Lutheran Church, where he and Beverly played active roles.

When the town determined it needed new library facilities, the Johnsons did what they had done often in the past. They made a major gift to the community.

Gene and Beverly each used a Charitable IRA Rollover to make a combined gift of $40,000 to move the project forward. In 2013 the community had raised enough money to build a new addition to the current library.

The Charitable IRA Rollover law allows those age 70½ and older to transfer funds from an IRA to a charity tax free.

Gene worked at Commercial State Bank for 42 years, beginning his career as a teller. He retired in 1997 as vice president, but he remained a member of the board of directors until his passing. When helping customers, Gene had an eye for details and a personal touch.

"He was one of those kinds of guys that enjoyed noticing things that guys like me don't pay attention to," said Commercial State Bank President Doug Johnson, who worked with Gene for 27 years. "He was always that kind of person. The day was always good, no matter what."

Like Gene, Beverly was also a stabilizing force in the community.

"She was a rock, just like Gene," Johnson said. "She was very good to people and her church."

The Johnson's passion for their hometown was a lifelong endeavor, and they knew Wausa had a bright future ahead. The trust helps make that future a reality.

"He was optimistic that Wausa's going to be around for a long time," Johnson said. "He donated to the community to keep that going. That's pretty impressive."

Gifts from your IRA, both now and through your estate, are the perfect way to support Nebraska Community Foundation and our affiliated funds. If you would like to learn more about this tax-wise method of giving, contact Todd Mekelburg, Director of Gift Planning at [email protected] or 402-323-7343.

For information on how you can give back to your hometown, contact Nebraska Community Foundation's Office of Planned Giving, 402.323.7330 or [email protected].