Norman Johnson

MILNOR - Norman Johnson, 93, Milnor, passed away Sept. 20, 2015, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at United Methodist Church, Milnor. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Milnor.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at United Methodist Church, Milnor, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Norman Emmanuel, son of Peter and Selma (Moberg) Johnson, was born on the Johnson family farm near Milnor on Nov. 21, 1921. He grew up and attended school in Milnor, graduating from Milnor High School in 1939. After his schooling, Norman farmed with his father and his brother, Ardell.

On Dec. 29, 1957, he married the love of his life, Delores M. Fatland, at Wyndmere Lutheran Church. His parents moved to town, and the newlyweds moved into the family farm house, where together they raised their four children, Krisselle, Bradley, Jay and Maureen. Norman continued to farm with his brother, Ardell, and then later his sons, Brad and Jay, until retiring in 1983.

During their retirement years, Norman and Delores enjoyed traveling. Norman was a devoted husband to Delores, and an amazing caregiver to her. They loved each other so much. Norman was awarded the 1999 North Dakota Caregiver of the Year, nominated by Delores.

Delores passed away on Feb. 24, 2000. Norman remained on the farm until a fall from a grain truck in 2008. He recovered at the home of Maureen and Rob Bentz in Bismarck. In 2010, he moved to Edgewood Vista Living, Bismarck. In March of this year, he moved to Edgewood Memory Care in Mandan until his recent hospitalization.

Norman was an active member of the Milnor United Methodist Church, Farmers Grain and Trading Elevator Board, Milnor Township Board, Masonic Lodge and Investment Club. He also enjoyed bowling for many years in the bowling league.

He is survived by his family, including children, Kris and Brett Stroh, Tappen, Brad Johnson, LaMoure, Jay Johnson, Milnor, and Maureen and Rob Bentz, Bismarck; his grandchildren, Scott Stroh, Mandan, Kaylyn Stroh, Fargo, Kylie Bentz, Fargo, and Jordan Bentz, Bismarck; his sisters, Edna Gochnour, Bothell, Wash., and Evelyn McCracken, College Place, Wash.; his brother, Ardell Johnson, Milnor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Selma Johnson; his wife, Delores; one sister, Clara Johnson; his sister-in-law, Vera Johnson; and two brothers-in-law, Jim McCracken and Harold Gochnour.

An online guest book may be signed at www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com. (Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Milnor)