Elroy Johnson

Elroy A. Johnson, age 74, resident of Lakota, ND, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake, ND, with his wife, children, grandchildren, and special friend, Damian Reiter by his side.

Elroy Albert Johnson was born December 31, 1939 in Lakota, the son of Lief and Rosella Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at Lakota Lutheran Church. He attended school in Lakota, graduating from Lakota High School in 1957. He enjoyed receiving a golden diploma at his 50th class reunion. Elroy was inducted into the U.S. Army on February 16, 1962. He was stationed at Ft. Lawton, WA, where he was honorably discharged at the rank of Private First Class on February 12, 1964. He returned home and worked for Hulstrand Construction at Lakota before joining the crew of Otter Tail Power Company, from which he retired after having worked with them for 37 years. Elroy married Babe (Lavendure) on June 24, 1988. Elroy was a busy person, he loved the farm and all of his tractors. He enjoyed the life of trying to pull a joke on someone or finding a great deal! All of his friends and everyone he met were always special to him, he especially loved to call them on his phone. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were all special in their own way. Elroy was so proud of his grandson, Dustin Jorde, whom he called his little farmer. Dustin put in his grandpa's crop this spring - of course Katie helped too. Katie, whom he called his little nurse, was always there to help and to make him do his therapy. She was Papa's little girl!

Elroy is survived by his wife of 26 years, Babe Johnson; children, Laurie Rainsberry of Lakota, Randy (Kayleen) and Michael (Margie) Yoder, both of Devils Lake, and Mitchell (Carrie) Yoder of Bismarck; grandchildren, Dustin Jorde, Katie Rainsberry, Ryan Yoder, Kelsey Yoder Walters, Cordell Yoder, Miriah Yoder, Dylan Yoder, Taylor Yoder, Justin Fuglem, Brianna Fuglem, Nicki Fuglem, and Derek Fuglem; great grandchildren, Trace Yoder, Jack Walters, Berginn Yoder, Ealynn Yoder, and Kilah Bayer; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Denise Fuglem; son-in-law, Merle Rainsberry; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Russell Pollock. The organist will be Karen Fowler and the soloist will be Marla Luehring. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Marvin Narum, Ed Karas, Jerry Stein, Damian Reiter, Bob Ferguson, Thomas Vasichek, and Dan Herbst. The honorary pallbearers will include Elias Garcia and all of Elroy's friends and Otter Tail family. Military honors will be conducted by the W.L. Cowper American Legion Post # 238 of Michigan and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Friday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.