Dan W. Johnson

Dan W. Johnson of Gwinner, ND, was born April 28, 1955 to Jim and Lois Johnson in New Rockford, ND. The fifth of eight children, he graduated from high school in 1973 and moved to Gwinner shortly after to work at Gwinner Lanes. It was there that he met his wife, Dorenda (Buchholz) Johnson. They were married August 28, 1976 in New Rockford, and eventually had two daughters, Raissa and Stacey.

In October 1974, Dan started working at Ray-Mac, Inc. He was the Purchasing Manager there until his retirement in March 2025 after a whopping 50 years of service. Dan loved having fun and enjoyed a number of hobbies over the years: pinball, softball, camping, bowling, billiards, karaoke, and golf. Dan bowled in many leagues and competed in 24 National Bowling tournaments. When it was time for karaoke, you'd usually find him singing his favorites, "Paint me a Birmingham" and "New York, New York," sometimes even from a tabletop! In recent years, he sat on the Board of Directors of The Springs Golf Course in Gwinner and golfed any time the weather would allow.

Dan was diagnosed with cancer in June 2024 and maintained a positive attitude through treatment. At every appointment, he told the doctors that he wanted to stay alive to spend as much time as he could with his grandkids, Eli and Emma, who were the apples of his eye. Known for his quick smile and easygoing nature, Dan could and would make conversation with nearly anyone who crossed his path, leaving behind a legacy of lasting friendships that enriched his life.

Dan is survived by his wife Dorenda, daughters Raissa (Matt Hildebrand) and Stacey (Emmanuel) Koomson, his grandchildren Eli and Emma Koomson, his beloved dog Izzy, his siblings Dolly (Richard) Dellos, Sandi Lies, Ray (Peggy) Johnson, Kim Johnson, Kevin Johnson, and CJ (Lisa) Johnson, along with dozens of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lois Johnson, and his brother, Jim (Cindy) Johnson.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Gustaf Adolf Lutheran Church in Gwinner followed by a private burial at Gwinner Cemetery near Gwinner. His service will be live streamed below.