Donald Johnson

Donald A. Johnson, 58, of Horace, ND, died Thursday, February 3, 2011, at Sanford Health, Fargo. Don was born on July 17, 1952, along with his twin brother, Ron, in Elgin, ND. He grew up on the ranch north of Keldron, SD and attended the Knoke Country School for grades 1-8. He attended high school in Lemmon, SD and graduated in 1970. During his high school years, Don participated in football, wrestling, FFA, and the Lemmon Rodeo Club. After high school, Don attended Dickinson State University and competed in the wrestling and Rodeo programs. He then transferred to NDSU to join their Rodeo program. Wrestling and Bareback Bronc riding were his passions. Being able to ride that horse until the eight second whistle was a challenge which he frequently conquered. Don frequently won his wrestling matches, qualifying for state and college finals numerous times. Don and the Badlands Regional Team won the International World Cup Team Rodeo held in Calgary, Canada in 1979. Of course his event was Bareback Bronc Riding. Don married Nancy Holsen on December 13, 1986. They were blessed with a son, Justin. Don also has a daughter, Megan. Don was extremely proud of both his children and their accomplishments. Don worked for John Corcoran Trucking, hauling cattle, CRI Livestock sale barn, West Fargo, ND, NAU Insurance Company crop adjusting. Don received his auctioneer license from Mason City College of Auctioneering in Iowa in July 1988. He truly enjoyed auctioneering for CRI Livestock, Curt D. Johnson Auctioneer Company, and numerous benefit auctions which he gladly auctioneered for. Don loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter. He raised numerous coon hounds and spent many long nights chasing both the dog and the raccoon with his friend, Paul. Deer and pheasant hunting were also at the top of his list. Stories told at the “Shack” during deer hunting in the sand hills by Leonard, ND, stayed at the “Shack”. Don’s passion for wrestling, horses, and hunting were definitely passed down to his son, Justin. Don will be dearly missed by his wife and soul mate, Nancy; son, Justin Johnson; daughter, Megan (Shawn) Murphy-Schneider and their children, Cassidy and Hudson, Portland, OR, who always put a smile on Don’s face. His mother, Dorothy Johnson, Morristown, SD; sister, Myrna (Joe) Deans, Lemmon, SD, and numerous nephews and nieces. Don was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Johnson, and twin brother, Ron Johnson. Don was a true cowboy and will never be forgotten. Memorial Service: Monday, February 7, 2011, 2:00 PM at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to services at Hanson-Runsvold.