WILLIS JOHNSON

WILLIS JOHNSON 03/03/1929 - 10/27/2025 Willis L. Johnson of Hazel Run died peacefully on October 27, 2025, at Granite Falls Care Center at the age of 96. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Hazel Run Lutheran Church. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation with the family was held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Granite Falls with a prayer service at 5:45 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hazel Run Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice. Willis was born on March 3, 1929, to Willie and Esther Johnson of Hazel Run. He attended country school and embraced farm life from an early age. After graduating from Granite Falls High School, he married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor (Ueland) Johnson. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 following the outbreak of the Korean War and was stationed in Germany where Eleanor joined him and served as a secretary in the civil service. Many lifetime friendships were formed during their time overseas. Upon his return from service his farm role and family grew. Willis and Eleanor had four children: Dean, DeEtte, Shawn and Shannon. Farm animals and chores were plentiful with cows, pigs, goats, horses and chickens. He farmed a variety of crops from corn and beans to wheat, oats, sunflowers, beets and even popcorn. Willis and Eleanor had a passion for square dancing, family reunions and extensive travel adventures. Willis and Eleanor were married for 49 years before her passing. In addition to farming Willis had a passion for flying airplanes and playing practical jokes on people. His creative talents were also his hobbies. A multitude of his cabinet making, woodworking and stained glass projects were custom made for family and friends. Many family members inherited his passions and became farmers, pilots, woodworkers, stained glass/mosaic artists and most all pranksters. Willis married Arlyss Jacobson in 2000. They enjoyed close to 25 years of travel and adventure including winters in Arizona and numerous RV trips. They enjoyed visiting relatives an friends, going to parades, playing cards and driving their refurbished golf "car" to the popcorn stand. Willis was proud to be a 70 year member of the American Legion. He stayed active in the Veteran's Association as well. Willis is survived by his wife, Arlyss; children: Dean (Jennifer) Johnson, DeEtte (Clayton) Swalstad, Shawn (Charlie) Hipp, Shannon (Laurie) Johnson; eight grandchildren: Kirsten Tjosaas, Kenton(Jessie) Johnson, Naomi (Guy) Rowlands, Mara (John) Desmedt, Carl (Heather) Hipp, Ryan (Christen) Hipp, Tom (Tracie) Johnson, Dan (Arlene) Johnson; great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Mason, Carter, Hallie, Rebecca, Tyler, Nathan, Austin, Emily, Keith, LeeAnn, Hayden, Skylar, Connor, Amber, Bailey, Lily; step-sons: Mike (Marcia) Jacobson, Brad (Barb) Jacobson; four step-grandchildren: Michell (Lance) Craig, Miranda (Jon) Rychlinski, Brett (Carolyn) Jacobson, Barry Jacobson; three step-great-grandchildren: Rylee, Carson, Kennedy and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: first wife, Eleanor Johnson; granddaughter: LeeAnn Swalstad; great-granddaughter, Maddie Johnson; and a brother, Floyd Johnson.