John Johnston

John A. Johnston, 92, Fargo, ND, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Villa Maria, Fargo, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. John Arthur Johnston was born June 16, 1918 in Canby, Minnesota, to John Levi and Claire Belle (Pittinger) Johnston. He grew up in Hill City, Minnesota, and graduated high school there. John attended college at Itasca State Junior College. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. John and Hazel Evelyn Isaak were united in marriage in Fargo. John and Hazel moved their family to Fargo in 1953, and worked as a realtor for many years in the Fargo area. He also gave back to the profession serving on the F.M. Board of Realtors, as a board member and president. He was also named Realtor of the Year by the North Dakota Association of Realtors. John was also a licensed appraiser in North Dakota and Minnesota. John was an active member of the community. He was a charter member, director and president of the F.M. Sertoma Club. John was a member, moderator and trustee of Plymouth Congregational Church of Fargo. He also served on the executive committee of the Camp Fire council. John was a long time member of the Shiloh Masonic Lodge. John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Hazel Johnston, Fargo, ND; four daughters, Jill Wilkey, Fargo, ND; Jackee Johnston, Arlee, MT; Chris Hillman, Cape Elizabeth, ME; and Cindy (Dick Mattson) Johnston, Phoenix, AZ; and four grandchildren, Jonathan, Rayme, Tanner and Zachary. Memorials are preferred to Villa Maria and Hospice of the Red River Valley. Celebration of John’s Life will be held Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 4:30 – 6:00 PM at Plymouth Congregational Church, Fargo, ND.