Johanna was born in Eureka, South Dakota on December 31, 1911, and died in Long Beach, CA on June 11, 2012. She was the 2nd of 9 children born to Casper and Matilda Ell. She is survived by her brother, John Ell, 79, of Red Field, South Dakota, two grandchildren, Geoff & Greg Nutt of Huntington Beach, and three great-grandchildren, Kendra, Katrina, & Vincent, all of Huntington Beach, CA.
She is a first generation American born to German immigrant parents who came to America from Odessa, Russia, where they had been living and working after leaving Germany. Johanna spoke both German and English as a child and worked in a local store because she could speak German to the towns many German immigrants.
Johanna was married twice. Her second husband, Lloyd Nutt, also known as Shorty, adopted her only son Vincent Casper. Together they moved to the Los Angeles area where they both worked for North American Aviation in Los Angeles, adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport.
They were avid bowlers who bowled in multiple leagues at many different bowling alleys. Johanna and Lloyd also raise and trained hunting dogs, mostly Labrador Retrievers. Lloyd died in 1966 and Vincent Casper died in 1975. Johanna worked for North American Aviation for more than 27 years until she retired in 1974. She then moved from Inglewood to Huntington Beach to be closer to her grandchildren.
In retirement, Johanna enjoyed babysitting and spending time with her family. A few families she babysat for, stayed in contact with her for over twenty years. She used to help and drive the “old ladies”, most of them much younger than she was, to the doctor, and also helped them administer their diabetes’ shots well into her late 80’s. She drove until she was 90. She was very active at the Huntington Beach Senior Center until she stopped driving. She loved to sit on her porch and watch the children play in the playground next to her trailer. She also enjoyed bingo, puzzles and cards.
