Fred T. Johnson

Fred T. “Freddie” Johnson, 93, of Velva, formerly of Minnewaukan and Minot, ND, died on Saturday evening, September 29, 2007, at the Souris Valley Care Center in Velva. Funeral Services for Fred will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Free Lutheran Church, Minnewaukan. Rev. Lu Mathison will officiate and burial will be in the Trinity Free Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and time of sharing at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church from 12:00 noon until time of service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Fred will be his nephews, Darrel, Rodney, Terry, Dennis, Rick and Duane Smith. Music will be provided by the vocal quartet of Leslie Peterson, Julie Hathaway, Julie Albert and Jerrod Albert and Deanna Hanson, organist. Frederick Theodore Johnson, son of Frederick and Tilla (Nesset) Johnson was born on December 3, 1913, in Maddock, ND. At a young age he moved with his parents to Minnewaukan where he was reared. He worked as a farm laborer and mechanic in the area for several years. Fred was united in marriage to Alma Gustafson on September 25, 1940, in Minnewaukan where they lived, worked and raised their son through the years. Fred served with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) for a time and then worked as a janitor at the Benson County Courthouse for 30 years, retiring in 1977. He also worked part-time as a carpenter with Johnny Fragodt for many years. After Fred retired from the courthouse, he did not want to be idle, so he worked for a time at the Minnewaukan Lumber Yard and Ray’s Bait Shop at Graham’s Island at Ziebach’s Pass. While living in Minnewaukan, Fred and Alma were members of the Trinity Free Lutheran Church and Fred also served as the cemetery sexton for many years. He also was the volunteer lawn care specialist “grass cutter” for the church for many years, served on the Minnewaukan City Council and was a former member of the Eagles Lodge. In 2002, Fred and Alma moved to Minot to be closer to family. They dedicated themselves to caring for their grandchildren and especially the great grandchildren. This meant helping with the household and outdoor chores, babysitting and acting as chauffer when needed. In 2006, Fred and Alma entered the Souris Valley Care Center in Velva. Fred was a doer; he wasn’t content unless he had something to do, and in the later years, he was really content if he had clothes to wash, a habit he developed during the several years he owned and operated a Laundromat in Minnewaukan. In his younger years, Fred was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing in all seasons. He was also the “master canner” of the Johnson household-canning fish, fruits, vegetables-anything that could be canned. Yes, Fred was a doer. But “doing” for family was the most important job he had, a job he did with much love, devotion, pride and joy. In our hearts and memories we will forever hold his love. Fred is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Alma Son: Duane Johnson and his wife, Roberta of Minot Grandchildren: Kristi Toy and her husband, Michael of Watford City, ND Kim Nelson and her husband, Derrick of Underwood, Minnesota Kelly Aberle and her husband, Darcy of Williston, ND Great Grandchildren: Kelsey, Karlie, Kyle and Michael Toy; Kirby and Kia Nelson; Brady Aberle Sisters: Lillian Salisbury and her husband, Harry of Fargo, ND Margaret Darling of Port Angeles, Washington Numerous nieces, nephews and their families He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Ronald, Eddie and Gordon Johnson; sisters, Olive Medved, Lena Darling, Hilda Bily, Gina Tofsrud-Remington, Mabel Holtz, Anna Ashford and Ellen Halvorson.