Keith H. Johnson

Keith H. Johnson, age 82, of Mahnomen, MN, died Sunday, December 19, 2010 at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. Keith Herbert Johnson, son of Heino and Pearl (Johnson) Johnson, was born on March 4, 1928 at home near Erskine, MN. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Twin Valley, MN. He graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1946 and then continued his education at Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN. On June 9, 1952, Keith was united in marriage to Carol Bellefeuille at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army where they were stationed in Oklahoma. Upon his honorable discharge in 1954, Keith and Carol returned to Moorhead where Keith completed his Bachelor of Science degree in teaching. Keith then taught for a year and a half in Holdingford, MN before moving back to Mahnomen. In 1957, he began a 30 year career with the Mahnomen County Human Services Department. After his retirement the couple continued to live in Mahnomen. Keith was a longtime member of the Mahnomen County Club, where he loved to golf and spent many hours out on the course. He also enjoyed fishing, caring for his yard, and playing cards with family and friends. Keith cherished his grandchildren and took great pleasure in attending all of their various activities. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and had been involved with the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post # 31 for many years. Keith is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol of Mahnomen; two sons, Greg (Kelley) Johnson and Gary (Caroline) Johnson, both of Fargo, ND; three daughters: Pamela (Dan) Gunderson of Staples, MN, Nancy Monson of Prior Lake, MN, and Stacy (Jon) Reitz of Alpharetta, GA; three brothers: Duane (Dolly) Johnson of Twin Valley, Sheldon (Susie) Johnson of Ada, MN, and Dennis (Donna)Johnson of Becker, MN; one sister, Shirley Overvold of Fargo; 15 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Marilyn and Beverly; and a son-in-law, Bruce Monson. Mass of Christian burial was held at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen, with Fr. Mario Prada and Fr. Rick Lambert concelebrating. Gina Worms was the pianist and Monica Winter provided special music. Serving as pallbearers were Keith’s grandsons: Derek Gunderson, Adam Gunderson, Nicholas Monson, Cody Reitz, Logan Reitz, Matthew Reitz, and Connor Reitz. Honorary bearers were his granddaughters: Melanie Downing, Kimberly Hoffman, Katie Monson, Sarah Johnson, Kylie Johnson, Jacqueline Johnson-Leister, Cassandra Johnson, and Lauren Johnson. Visitation was held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 5:30 pm at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Visitation was also at the church one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday. Interment was at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Keith H. Johnson

March 4, 1928 - December 19, 2010