Maurice Johnson

Maurice M. Johnson, 90, rural Walcott, ND died Wednesday October 4th, 2017 at his home. The funeral service will be on Monday, October 9, at 11:00 AM at Richland Lutheran Church, rural Walcott, ND with Rev. Dan Forsberg officiating.  The visitation will be on Sunday from 5 PM to 7 PM at Richland Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7 PM.  There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service on Monday.  Interment will be at Richland Lutheran Cemetery, rural Walcott.  Arrangements are entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND.

Maurice was born in Fargo, ND January 28, 1927 the son of Lewis and Hilda (Groff) Johnson.  He grew up on the family farm and was baptized and confirmed at Richland Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member.  Maurice graduated from Colfax High School and enlisted in the Navy.  He trained at Great Lakes Naval and served in Okinawa during World War II.  Upon his honorable discharge, Maurice returned to the family farm.  Within two weeks of his return his father passed away, which led to he and his brother Lester taking over farming responsibilities.  He also attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, which contributed to his machinery skills.

On March 2, 1957, he married Wilma Wold at Richland Lutheran Church.  In their 48 years of marriage they were active in the community and church, and enjoyed time spent with family and friends.  Maurice was a member of Richland Men’s Club (annual Lutefisk Supper), Sons of Norway, Swedish Cultural Club, VFW and American Legion and held many leadership roles over the years.  Maurice was most proud of his twenty four years on the board of Southeast Water Users, and their establishment of rural water in Richland County.

He is survived by his son Barry, Fargo, ND; his daughter Kay (Kai) Sorlien, St. Paul, MN; his brother Lester (Shirley) Johnson, Walcott; twin sister Marlys (Ernest) Simenson, Fargo; sisters Hazel Ann (Don) Linke, Ogden, UT, and Elaine Fiske, Fargo; several nieces and nephews, and dear friend Lois Sullivan.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Wilma; brothers-in-law Purdon and Dayton Wold, Boyd Fiske; sisters-in-law Cathryn (Wold) Graff, Gloria (Vaughn) Wold.

Blessed with a happy optimism, Maurice took great joy in meeting people and leaves a legacy of many friends.

Maurice's Memorial Folder