Bernard Johnson

Bernard Johnson, 88, of Fargo, ND, died Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Edgewood Vista, Fargo, ND. Bernard “Bernie” William Johnson was born October 13, 1919, on the family farm near Amenia, North Dakota, to Emil and Hilda Johnson. In 1938, he graduated from Amenia High School, after which he attended Fargo Business College. In 1942, Bernie enlisted in the Army Infantry and trained for three months at Camp Wolters, Texas, before skipping overseas to the South Pacific area, where he served our country for 37 months. He was wounded in 1945, on the island of Luzon. He spent time in the hospital in Springfield, Missouri, and was discharged from the Army in October, 1945. He married Margaret Nelson of Fargo on January 5, 1946. Marge became his constant companion for the next 62 years! After farming for seven years south of Fargo, in 1954, he accepted a position at Production Credit Association (PCA) in Fargo. In 1955, he became president of that organization and worked there for 30 years, retiring in November, 1984. Bernie was a people person and it showed through his strong friendships with his PCA staff and all the farmers he served through his work at PCA. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, serving on the council. He was also a member of the Golden K Kiwanis, Elks, Eagles, American Legion, DAV, and Sons of Norway. He loved bowling, golf, fishing and playing cards. Bernie is survived by three daughters, Cheryl (John) Fredrick, Fargo, ND; Barbara (Mike) Rawalt, Anchorage, AK; and Marlene (Napoleon) Espejo, Fargo, ND; two grandsons, Chris (Suzi) Rawalt and Brett Rawalt, Anchorage, AK; four step-grandchildren, Natalia, Juan, Luis and Danny Espejo, Fargo, ND; and five great-grandchildren, Molly, Micah, Max and Nisha Rawalt, Anchorage, AK; and Hosanna Rawalt, Sarasota, FL. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Margaret, who died April 24, 2008. Memorials are preferred to American Parkinson Disease Association – 135 Parkinson Ave. – Staten Island, NY 10305 or apda@apdaparkinson.org Funeral Service: Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Prayer Service: Wednesday, at 6:00 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.