Bert D. Johnson

Bert D. Johnson, 77, of Walhalla, ND passed away Sunday, July 6, 2014 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 11, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Walhalla Lutheran Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be held in the Hillside Cemetery.
Albert D. "Bert" Johnson was born December 14, 1936, to Russel and Annie (Kenyon) Johnson in a rural neighborhood of St. Joseph Township known as "Park Center". The family moved into Walhalla when Bert was in the sixth grade and he graduated from Walhalla High School in 1954. He then attended Valley City State College and North Dakota State University for a short period, then returned to Walhalla and began farming with his father. During the off season Bert worked as a potato inspector for the North Dakota State Seed Department.
In April of 1957, Bert married the love of his life, Betty Lynn Patterson. They were married for 40 years before she died in June of 1998. After the early passing of his father Bert teamed up with his brother Lyle and the entity of Johnson Farms was born. They have been farming together for 55 years. During his lifetime Bert farmed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Arizona, Washington, California, and Canada. He was involved in several other business ventures including the well known banking institution, Choice Financial and real estate development in the Grand Forks area. Bert served in the North Dakota National Guard, on the Walhalla City Council, and the Choice Financial Board of Directors. Bert enjoyed several winters in Mesa, AZ returning to ND for the basketball tournaments. He retired in 2006 due to health issues. Bert loved life, his family, farmland and black cows. He was the eternal optimist and "perfect" was his favorite word. He was a man of integrity and his word was good as gold, ninety percent of his deals were made on a handshake. He was an inspiration to many and was well known for his dazzling smile.
In November of 1999, Bert was married to his current wife, Sandra Snell-Gendreau. She survives along with his son, Al Russel Johnson, Walhalla, ND; and his daughters, Lynell (Rodney) Stegman, Sandra (Tim) Crary, and Susie (Paul) Sproule all of Grand Forks, ND and stepson, Michael (Kristen) Gendreau, Plymouth, MN. Bert was blessed with 13 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Naomi Lowth, Bemidji, MN and brother, Lyle (Margie) Johnson of Walhalla and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his first wife, Betty and brother, Hilton.
Clergy: Rev. Gary Bovkoon; Eulogies: Sandy Crary and Paul Sproule; Music: Bettie Lou Stegman, Accompanist, Renee Cashin, Soloist, Lance Stegman, Violin Accompanist; Casket Bearers: Tyler Stegman, Tanner Stegman, Max Johnson, Sam Johnson, Adam Crary, Russel Crary.