Lester Hilbert Johnson

Lester Hilbert Johnson, age 100, of rural Walcott, ND, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at his farm. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm, followed by a prayer service at Richland Lutheran Church, rural Walcott. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 10 to 11 am, followed by an 11 am funeral service. Burial will be in Richland Lutheran Cemetery.

Lester was born in Fargo, ND, on July 3, 1925, to Lewis and Hilda Johnson. He was baptized, confirmed, and a life-long member of Richland Lutheran Church. He loved going to church, and he loved Jesus! He served on the Men’s Club, taught Sunday School, sang bass in choir, read scripture, was President of the Church Council, Deacon, Trustee, greeter, and host for the annual lutefisk supper.

Lester learned to read and write from a hired man before he started school, allowing him to skip first grade. He was Valedictorian of his graduating class and furthered his education at Dakota Business College which helped him when he took over farming at age 21 when his father died unexpectedly.

He married Shirley Norman on March 8, 1952, in Hallock, MN, and lived on the 1879 Johnson Century Farm his entire life. He was known for his “vibrato whistle”, joking around, desire to learn, read all the Louis L’Amour books, and could mimic all the farm animals. He was a member of the Sons of Norway for 84 years. He served on the Garrison Diversion Board, Budget and Finance Committee, Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, Recreation Committee, received the North Dakota Water Wheel Award, was a member of the township board 70 years and the Richland County FSA Committee.

Lester and Shirley enjoyed family vacations to Medora, Canada, several states, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, and 8 trips to France. He liked Farkel, Mexican Train Dominos, and Wheel of Fortune.

He was hospitalized with COVID in 2020 and fractured his femur in 2023. When asked if he wanted surgery or be bed-bound, he replied, “I can’t be in bed the rest of my life!” After surgery, he amazed hospital staff and therapists with his determination to get well. He was a vibrant and strong 98 year old!

Lester was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, brother Maurice (Wilma), sister Marlys (Ernest) Simenson, sister-in-law Deloris Peterson, brothers-in-law Boyd Fiske and Don Linke, daughter-in-law Nancy Johnson, and his parents. He is survived by 5 children: Debra (Scot) Hintermeyer, Linda (Robert) Gylland, Gregg Johnson, J. Scott (Carrie) Johnson, and Wendy (Andre) Malgouyres, and his sisters HazelAnn Linke and Elaine Fiske, sister-in-law Bonnie Norman. He was blessed with 9 grandchildren: Laura (Emmanuel) Ajibero, Sarah (Jeff) Merriman, Amy (Matt) Lynn, Tyler (Kayla) Gylland, Hanna (Jared) Zimmerman, Jon (Carissa) Johnson, Connor (Crystal) Johnson, Olivia (Ethan) Schmitt, and Lucy-Mei Malgouyres. His great-grandchildren include Bryce and Chloe Gylland, Arabelle and Ivy Johnson, Yanmife, Mofe, Oreofe, and Ife Ajibero, Norah and Logan Lynn, Oliver, Lincoln and Miles Johnson, and Steele Schmitt.

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