Stuart K. Johnson • 1930 - 2003

Stuart K. Johnson, 72, 5715 97th St. NW, Kenmare, died Friday, April 04, 2003 in a Minot hospital.

Stuart was born on November 26, 1930 in Kenmare, ND, to Johannes and Ida (Edwardsen) Johnson. He was raised and educated near his parents' farm in Rockford Township, Norma, ND. Following his education, he helped on the farm and worked for several years at the Farmers Union in Tolley and Flaxton, ND. He also worked for a time for Allen Chevrolet in Mohall, ND. He married Lorraine Jessen in Kenmare on November 26, 1950. They moved to Coos Bay, OR, and lived and worked for nearly two years. They returned to the Norma where he continued to farm until retirement, as well as managed Western Lanes Bowling Alley in Kenmare for nine years. He operated Jensen and Johnson Construction, in partnership with Rod Jensen for several years, then continuing the business as Johnson Excavating. Stuart lived in the Stanley Nursing Home for rehabilitation from his accident in October 2002.

He was a member of Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Norma. He served on the Upper Souris Water Users Association board and was a founding father in the organization. He was honored with the Renville County Soil Conservation Achievement Award for stewardship this past year. He was a member of the Rockford Township Board. Stuart, an unselfish and humble man, loved his family and his work. He enjoyed the many hours operating his tractor and backhoe. He was always concerned about his families' or neighbors' needs before his own. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, oil painting and cutting rocks in his spare time.

Survivors: Wife, Lorraine, Kenmare; two daughters, Marla (Iver) Eliason, Garrison, and Nancy (Doyle) Emmel, Mandan, ND; four grandchildren, Katie (Will) North, Corydon, IN, Kristie Eliason, Clearwater, FL, Kelli Jo (Wade) Hatzenbuehler, Mandan, and Kyle Stuart Emmel, Mandan; three great-grandchildren, Jenny and Emily North and Hannah Hatzenbuehler; one brother, Melford (Betty) Johnson, Kenmare; sister-in-law, Brunnie Johnson, Eden Prairie, MN; several nieces and nephews also survive. His parents, one infant daughter, and two brothers, Jewell and Jerrold Johnson preceded him in death.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, April 8, 2003, 2:00 p.m. at Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Norma.

Visitation: Monday, April 7, 2003, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson- Larson Funeral Home, Kenmare, ND.

Burial: Evanger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Norma.

Officiant: Rev. Kathy Paulson

Scripture Reader: Jim Silrum

Music: Processional "How Great Thou Art" #532
Alma Knutson and Gayle Zimmer, duet: "Borning Cry"
Congregational "What A Friend" #439
Kathy Paulson and Sheila Mugaas, duet"Have You Seen Jesus
My Lord"
Recessional "Amazing Grace" #448
Carol Faye Cook, organist

Active Pallbearers: Rick Brekhus, Dennis Johnson, Mark Cook, Philip Zimmer, Eugene Knutson Steve Jensen, Arvid Mugaas, David Jensen

Honorary Bearers: Stuart's relatives and friends in the community

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