Leonard Gordon Johnson

Leonard G. Johnson, 84 of Devils Lake formerly of York and Michigan, ND died on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Funeral Services for Leonard will be held on Friday, February 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Rev. Rafe Allison officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and Lake Region Honor Guard, Camp Grafton. Burial will be in the Michigan Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel Thursday, today from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Leonard will be Ronald Sanford, Kelly Jenke, Jeff Anderson, Shawn Johnson, Ray DuBois, James Flom and Jerry Britsch. Music will be provided by Irving Thompson, soloist and Lynda Pearson, pianist. Leonard Gordon was born on November 7, 1923 at Baker, ND, the son of Victor A. and Anna (Stenson) Johnson. He was reared and educated in the Baker area. Leonard then entered the US Army and served with the Military Police during the Korean Conflict. Leonard was united in marriage to Sonja Urness on August 29, 1957 at Leeds Lutheran Church. They established their home in York where Leonard managed the Farmers Union Station for many years. He went into business for himself for several years and in 1976 began driving bulk truck for the Michigan Cenex until a severe injury forced him to retire in 1982. Leonard and Sonja made their home in Michigan for over 30 years and then in 2003 moved to Devils Lake where they have since made their home. Leonard was a member of the Michigan American Legion and also served as an officer for several years. He was a life member of the VFW and also a member of Peace Lutheran Church. In his younger years, Leonard coached Junior Legion and Babe Ruth baseball in York. As a sports enthusiast, if he wasn’t coaching or participating in the sport he was officiating. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Leonard’s yard was a master piece of beauty which he worked very hard to always keep well-groomed. And the care given a well manicured yard, eventually manifested as his talent as an artist who painted many beautiful pictures that were given to his family and friends. The love and care that Leonard gave to his family was always abundant and unconditional. His devotion to Sonja was shown each day in his attentiveness to her during her illnesses. This legacy of love will never be forgotten and will live on in his children and grandchildren. Leonard is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sonja Daughter: Lynn Marie Johnson of Devils Lake Sons: Lloyd Gordon Johnson and his wife, Kristin of Des Moines, Iowa Leigh Johnson and his wife, Tina of Moorhead, Minnesota Grandchildren: Farren Bogar, Nickolas Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Shawn Johnson, Alyssa Fluit and Megan Fluit. Great Grandchildren: Seth Johnson, Kaden Larson and Jacob Wayne Johnson Several nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Olaf, Carl, Palmer, Garfield, Raymond, Lloyd and Albert Johnson.