Jerry Lynn Johnson

Jerry Lynn Johnson was born March 4, 1939 in Fargo, where he grew up, graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1957 and later attending NDSU. In 1961, Jerry married Kathleen Nelson. He served in the Air National Guard from 1959-1965. He was employed at Russ Buick from 1967-1970. In 1968, he married Karen Knoke and moved to Leeds, ND where he operated Leeds Sporting Goods from 1970-1973. He returned to employment with Russ Buick from 1973-1980. He married Judy (Backer) Eiler July 3, 1975. From 1980-1983, Jerry worked at Tim Corwin Buick. He worked at Selland Motors, Moorhead, from 1983-1993, at which time he began working for Nelson Motors in Crookston, MN until retirement.

Jerry worked in auto sales all his life and was also an avid car collector. He had a large circle of car friends and was known to have a strong affinity for the era of the 1950’s, carrying the nickname of “Fargo’s Oldest Teenager.” Jerry was a charter member of the Topper’s Car Club and a long-time member of the Valley Vintage Car Club. He was a member of the Fargo Elks, the American Legion, and formerly belonged to the Fargo Eagles. He was on the Alumni Board of the Fargo Central Alumni Association, served on the Moorhead Planning Commission, and was Chairman of the Moorhead Codes Board.

Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Ron; father, Iver; mother, Mildred (Voelpel), and his wife, Judy. He is survived by his daughter, Juli (Charlie) Harris of Brooklyn Park, MN and grandchildren; step-daughter, Leslie Eiler of Colorado Springs, CO; several cousins, nieces and nephews, and special friend, Vi Lakeman of Felton, MN. Following the death of Judy, his wife of 41 years, Jerry rekindled a former love with Vi and the two established a new beginning together in their home in Moorhead, MN. Jerry endured fatal complications related to a massive stroke and died peacefully April 10, 2017 while surrounded by loved ones and listening to favorite Elvis tunes at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Red River Valley.