VERNON L. JOHNSON

VERNON L. JOHNSON Vernon Leroy Johnson, 87, Luverne, ND was born August 12, 1929 in Fargo, ND, the son of Victor and Eunice (Knutson) Johnson. He grew up in the Luverne area and he graduated from Hope High School. Vernon married Luella (Jensen) Johnson on October 11, 1952 in Finley, ND. The couple farmed north of Luverne. The farm started as a family business and is still thriving today in the hands of his family. Vernon learned to fly in 1947 and started crop dusting for Nels Pladson. In 1957 he and his brother Gerald started their own spraying business called Johnson Spraying Service and continued that business for 35 years. An active member of the community, Vernon served 12 years on the Steele County Commission and over 30 years on the Willow Lake Public School board; and even had the privilege of handing his sons their diplomas. Vernon was a pioneer in alternative energy having started wind generated electricity in Steele County. In addition to his other activities he also successfully started an excavating business with his grandson Craig. Vernon died Friday, October 21 in Griggs County Care Center. Vernon is survived by three sons, Ron Johnson, Luverne, ND, David (Val) Johnson, Luverne, ND and Dale (Cindy) Johnson, Rapid City, SD; fourteen grandchildren, Cynthia Nelson, Craig (Laurie) Johnson, Jamie (Tyler) Pederson, Becky (Trevor) Dressler, Brandon (Sonia) Johnson, Brooke Johnson (Adam Johnson), Brent Johnson, Brandon Oxton, April (Kevin) Huschka, Tyler Oxton, Derek Oxton, Evan Oxton (Hope Klubben), Kira Oxton and Mikayla Johnson; ten great-grandchildren, Chelsey (Chris) Odinson, Bryce Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Jaxon Johnson, Elleanor Pederson, Abbigail Pederson, Oliver Pederson, Taylor Johnson, Skyyla Johnson and Nova Oxton; and one sister-in-law, Barb Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Eunice; one son, Larry; one brother, Gerald; one great-grandson, Chase; and his wife, Luella. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Lund Cemetery or Hospice. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 26, 2016 from 5-7 pm with A Prayer Service at 7 pm in the Luverne Lutheran Church. Visitation will continue Thursday October 27, 2016 from 10 till 11 am followed by a Funeral services at 11 am in Church. Interment will be in the Lund Cemetery.