NEAL EDWIN JOHNSON

NEAL E. JOHNSON

Neal Edwin Johnson was born July 20th 1952 in Cooperstown, ND to Edwin and Agnes (Knutson) Johnson.

Neal was raised on a farm east of Cooperstown. He attended Cooperstown High School and graduated in 1970. He enlisted in the National Guard and served from 1970-1976.

On August 5th 1978 he married the love of his life Julie Eslinger. They made their home on a farm east of Cooperstown just down the road from where he was raised. They had two children. Heather and Jared.

Neal worked for Melroe in his early years and later farmed for many years. In the 90’s he bought a semi and began hauling gravel for the Gilbertson's, Heinze and also Matt Holt. He really enjoyed trucking. In the winter he hauled cattle for Napoleon livestock. He retired around 2015 but, continued raising cattle and haying.

To know Neal was to love Neal. He definitely had the gift of Gab. He loved to visit. Whether by phone or in person. He loved fishing and camping with friends and his family. They spent most of the summer weekends at Lake Ashtabula and occasionally Devils Lake. There was never a dull moment in the boat with Neal. The stories and talks by the campfire were priceless. He enjoyed spending time with his children and later his granddaughters. He definitely lived life to the fullest. He was blessed with many friends.

Neal is survived by his wife Julie of 47 years. His daughter Heather (Aaron) Beisch of Webster, SD. Granddaughters Josie and Anna. Brothers, Nolan (Connie) Johnson, rural Cooperstown, Jeffrey (Jan) Johnson of Binford. Father-in-law, Albert Eslinger, Hannaford, ND. Brothers-in-law, Leland (Betty) Eslinger, Coleman, SD. Calvin (Connie) Eslinger, Hannaford, ND, Allen (Vicki) Eslinger, Hannaford, ND. Aunt Betty Johnson, Valley City formerly of Cooperstown. Many Nieces, Nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Agnes. Brother Bjarne Johnson, Son Jared Johnson and Mother in law Loretta Eslinger.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2:00 pm in Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown, ND, visitation will be one hour before the service in the Church. Interment will be in the Westley Cemetery, rural Cooperstown, ND.