Eugene Johnson

Eugene D. "Geno" Johnson, age 71, resident of Mapes, ND, died Thursday, June 26, 2014 at his home.

Eugene Dale Johnson was born November 15, 1942 in Lakota, ND, the son of Lawrence and Esther (Rio) Johnson. He was raised on the family farm in Wamduska Township of Nelson County. He attended the one-room schoolhouse south of the farm until 1956 when it closed. He then attended school in Lakota. Following high school, he attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, ND. Gene spent ten years traveling south custom harvesting until he had to quit because the grain dust made him sick. He came home and worked seven years for the Bill Beatty farm and helped his parents work the family farm. Gene was an accomplished guitar player and was soon playing in a band called the "Blue Notes" and then with the "Clayton Saylor Band". They traveled many miles to small area towns playing their good old-time music! Gene met and married LaVonne (Liska) Jemtrud on July 14, 1973 in Michigan, ND. They lived in Mapes the rest of their lives. Gene and LaVonne enjoyed camping, canning their garden produce, cooking, and hosting many house parties! LaVonne passed away in Devils Lake, ND on January 16, 1992 due to cancer. Gene enjoyed riding his ATV, gardening, hunting, and all manners of fishing, even through ice!

Gene is survived by his son, Elliott Johnson & his wife, Lori of Gilby, ND; 3 grandchildren, Taunya, Faith, and Alyssa; 2 sisters, Evelyn "Susy" Moen & her husband Wayne of Steele, ND and Janet Holum & her husband Rick of Grand Forks, ND; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVonne; and his cousin & good friend, Sid Rio.

The Funeral Service for Gene will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church, Lakota, ND, on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Russell Pollock, the organist will be Karen Fowler. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. Serving as casketbearers will be Steve Stevens, Albert Johnson, Les Hendrickson, Paul Odden, Bill Zeman, and Kelly McLean. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.