Michael Johnson

Michael “Mike” E. Johnson, 64, left us on June 11, 2008, at the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND, after a staggeringly long battle with illness. Mike was born on June 20, 1943, to Ernest and Lela (Gray) Johnson in Roseau, MN. After attending school in Roseau at age 17, Mike enlisted in the Navy. During his three year tour, while on shore his assigned duty was Captain’s Driver. Overseas on board the USS Hugh Purvis, he completed several missions in Europe, Cuba, and the Red Sea. Returning home in 1963, he remained on the Ready Reserves for an additional three years. During this time, he married Nancy and had two daughters. Upon completing the Auto Body course at the Thief River Falls AVTI in 1977, he began his career and business in Holt, MN. Mike’s Body Shop remained open until he became ill in 1987. Mike married Luann. Preceding his parent’s deaths, Mike, Luann and Randy moved to Dolan Springs, AZ. Due to his illness over the years, Mike and Luann would return to Holt, MN, to enjoy the summer months with their family and friends. Mike enjoyed riding his 1948 Pan Head Harley Davidson, hunting, fishing, racing and spending time with family and friends. Mike is survived by his wife, Luann; two sons and three daughters, Greg (Vicky), Tamie (Richard), Brenda, Kristi (Paul), Randy (Agata); 12 grandchildren, Jill, Alex, Delaynie, Kevin, McKayla, Stephanie, Samantha, Miranda, Landon, Tristan, Emily and Michal; two great-grandchildren; in-laws, Lester Johnson, Linda and John Bodell, Lynette and Clifford Nelson, France Helmer Johnson, Jr. “Junebug”, Larry and Judy Johnson, Art Anderson and mother-in-law, Agnes Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Loralee. Memorial Service will be held at Holt Community Center, Holt, MN, at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, June 21, 2008.