Elvin P. Johnson

Elvin P. Johnson, 94 of Auburn, Washington formerly of Devils Lake, ND died on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at the home of his daughter, Linda in Auburn. Funeral Services for Elvin will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gilbertson Funeral Chapel, Devils Lake. Rev. Harold Ovre will officiate and burial will be in the Chain Lakes Lutheran Cemetery, rural Churchs Ferry. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Elvin P. Johnson was born July 5, 1911, near Churchs Ferry, ND to parents, John E. and Petra (Peterson) Johnson. Elvin grew up in the Churchs Ferry area where he lived and farmed most of his life. On December 14, 1941, Elvin was united in marriage to Bernice L. Garst at her parents’ home, near Churchs Ferry. After their marriage, Elvin and Bernice farmed east of Churchs Ferry until retiring in 1979. They have a daughter, Linda Jean, who lives in Auburn, Washington with her husband, Keith Cantwell and their two children, Kellie Ann and Kevin James. Elvin was a life long member of the Chain Lake Lutheran Church. He enjoyed working at the church and helped to maintain the cemetery after the church closed. Elvin also spent a lot of his spare time creating many wood crafts that were enjoyed by many over the years, one of which is a replica of the Chain Lake Lutheran Church which is on display at the Devils Lake Post Office Museum. In September 2004, Elvin came to Auburn, WA to live with his daughter Linda and her husband. He was able to spend some quality time with his grandchildren and great grandchild recounting the many stories of his life. Elvin is survived by his daughter, Linda (Keith) Cantwell Grandchildren: Kellie Robertson and Kevin Cantwell Great Grandchild: Taylor Nicole Robertson Sister: Ruth Wilson of Seattle, Washington Nieces and Nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Petra Johnson; wife, Bernice on June 13, 1988; sisters, Mabel Rushfeldt and Selma Bigalke; brother, Roy Johnson and brother-in-law, Harry Bigalke. Memorials may be directed to the Chain Lakes Cemetery Fund c/o Garland Hoistad-7372 63rd Street NE, Churchs Ferry, ND 58325.