Carl W. and Virginia B. Johnson Nursing Scholarship

Carl and Virginia Johnson were life-long Elkhart, Indiana residents.  Carl started to work at age 17 for the railroad, making $63 a week which was a good wage in 1943.  Then he served in the United States Navy, stationed at San Diego, California towards the end of WWII.  When he came back to Elkhart after the war, he went to work for the railroad full-time.  They lived rather modestly on the northeast side of Elkhart and maintained a frugal lifestyle so in their retirement years were quite comfortable financially.

Carl and Virginia enjoyed their free time by going to plays with their friends, listening to music, or enjoying their neighborhood during the warm weather.  They had a number of record album collections, including, but not limited to, Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Welk and Dean Martin.  Carl was an active member of the Scottish Rite and other organizations which were involved in improving the community in which they resided.

Virginia was very active during her high school years–traveling, participating in the high school plays, and enjoying time with friends  Some of the organizations she involved herself in included The National Thespian Society and the Elkhart High School’s First All Girl’s League.

They had no children and are leaving the bulk of their estate to charity, including Goshen College and ADEC, an Elkhart County, Indiana organization which serves people of all ages who have experienced development disabilities or delays.  Both Carl and Virginia had deep care and concern for others and selflessly gave back to their community and those around them in many ways, including this wonderful nursing scholarship.