Waltraud Nader Johnson, age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 25, 1936, in Schweinfurt, Germany to Josef Nader and Veronika Nader. Waltraud was affectionally known as “Traudel” to her friends.
As a young girl, she grew up in wartime Germany during World War II and experienced very frightening and challenging times. She was 9 years old when the war ended. The town which she lived in went through major reconstruction from the effects of the war. She participated in swimming, basketball and track and quickly became a star athlete at her hometown high school. After high school, she worked at Bayhurst’s Department Store in Schweinfurt, Germany. She was promoted to manager of the record and music department. It was there she met her husband of 64 years, Army Special Forces Captain Joseph H. Johnson. They were married in Schweinfurt, Germany and eventually settled in Fayetteville / Fort Bragg in 1965 and raised their family. “Traudel” lovingly took care of her husband, 3 children, 2 grandchildren, family pets and managed the entire household. She also managed a local Fayetteville clothier, volunteered with the Special Olympics, and was active with The Ladies of Sodality for Saint Patrick Catholic Church. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, entertaining, sewing, arts, fashion, nature and gardening in her beloved yard.
Waltraud was preceded in death by her father Josef Nader, mother Veronika Nader, brother Siegfried Nader and sister Lieselotte Nader.
Waltraud is survived by her husband, Ret. Major Joseph H. Johnson; daughter Mary L. Johnson; son Joseph S. Johnson; son David H. Johnson and spouse Patrick D. Brennan; grandchildren Max S. Johnson and Tabitha R. Johnson; and granddog Daly Johnson.
A funeral service will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 2844 Village Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28304 at 11:00 a.m. on June 25, 2022 with a reception to follow. She will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.
Flowers are welcome at the service or in lieu of flowers a contribution can be provided to your local SPCA.
A beautiful woman, loving saint on earth that sacrificed much for others. Always loved…Forever in Our Hearts!
Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com
Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
