Darol "Kirk" Johnson

Darol "Kirk" Johnson, 62, of Stanley, North Dakota, lost a hard-fought battle against an aggressive illness and passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Trinity Hospital in Minot, North Dakota.

(Darol) Kirk Johnson was born in Kenmare, North Dakota on July 13th, 1963 to Darol and Corrine Johnson. Kirk attended and graduated from Stanley High School in 1981. He then enrolled in an auto body tech program in Minot, North Dakota. Kirk started his oilfield career early in life working as his dad's welding helper. He continued working in the oilfield, spending many years working for Hess Corporation. Over the past few years in his retirement, he was able to enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending Ashton's sporting events, camping at Van Hook, attending the ND State Fair, buying and selling classic cars and trucks, and following the Chicago Cubs and LA Lakers.

Nothing was more important to Kirk than his beautiful daughters, Lacey and Mackenzie, and grandchildren, Ashton, Hunter and Valley. He loved attending Ashton's football and basketball games. Kirk was so proud of recently becoming a grandfather to twins!

Kirk's humor, funny stories, and caring heart will be missed by so many. He made sure his friends and family watched his favorite movies and shows (more than once) and anytime he was together with his nephew they would quote "The Big Lebowski" word for word. Some of his other favorites also included the Shameless and Yellowstone Series, Trailer Park Boys, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Christmas Story. His favorite saying instead of "Merry Christmas" was "you'll shoot your eye out."

Kirk was an avid Chicago Cubs and LA Lakers fan. His hobby of buying and selling sports memorabilia blessed him by meeting many new friends. Kirk's passion for the Cubs was like no other. His go to dress up clothing item would be his Cubs jersey.

Kirk enjoyed his summers at Van Hook camping, surrounded by many close Stanley friends. He enjoyed driving his side by side around to visit his many lake friends. Kirk missed driving around with his favorite buddy, Brad Borud. Kirk and Brad are cruising in Heaven now.

He loved lutefisk, which family didn't really appreciate during the holidays, but always made sure Kirk had his lutefisk. He also loved his mom's meatballs, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Over the past year, Kirk was blessed with a loving companion, Renae, who was able to introduce him to food from different cultures, and to his surprise, he enjoyed the experience.

Kirk embraced his "chosen" family, the Grinsteads, as his own. He loved being a part of the Grinstead Racing crew. Kirk often said Chris was like a "bro" and a son. Chris and Kirk would spend time together, discussing everything from family, career dreams, and any trending news. In the past few years, Kirk enjoyed his time with the Stanley Lions, especially the home cooked meals that were served at the meetings. He was also a member of Stanley's City Council, a Mountrail County Job Development Authority board member, and was on the Planning and Zoning Committee.

Kirk will be missed every day by his daughters, Lacey Johnson (Colton Anklam), Bismarck, ND, and Mackenzie Johnson (Matt Herbst), Williston, ND; grandchildren, Ashton Peterson, Stanley, ND; Valley and Hunter Herbst, Williston, ND; mother, Corrine Johnson, Minot, ND; significant companion, Renae Knaus, Minot, ND; sister, Bonnie Schriock (Max), Garrison, ND; brother, Michael Johnson (Cathy), Sidney, MT; niece, Alexis Schriock, Minot, ND; nephews, Zachary Schriock (Tiffany), Kristopher Schriock, Kerry Schriock (Amber), Minot, ND; Jason Johnson (Tabitha), Josh Johnson (Alyssa), Federal Way, WA.

Kirk was proceeded in death by his daughter, Mara Johnson; father, Darol Johnson; grandparents, Emil and Emma Weidner and Roy and Esther Johnson and his beloved pet, Daze.