Ernie Johnson

Ernie Johnson, 98, of Northwood, ND, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Northwood Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northwood. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday.

Ernie was born December 15, 1919, and was baptized at West Union Church. Ernie attended Logan Center School where he was a star basketball player, and graduated in 1937. He worked on the family farm after graduating, until he enlisted in the Army and served from 1942-1945, proudly serving his country at the Panama Canal during WWII.

He married Kathleen Knudson January 20, 1945, and they raised five children in Northwood.

Ernie worked for Nelson Brothers Farms until 1957. He then worked as a custodian at the Northwood School, and was adored by many kids as their bus driver. He retired in 1982.
After retirement, Ernie and Kate enjoyed travelling to Hawaii in the winters, where he often entertained family who visited, climbing Diamond Head several times and visiting Pearl Harbor. He also loved spending time at Golden Lake in the summers, where he enjoyed gardening and bringing the grandkids for pontoon rides.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Christ and Mattie (Bakke) Johnson, brothers Arvin, Chester, Silas, and Gaylord (Bud); sisters Alvera, Agnes, Gladys, and Bernice; and son-in-law Darryl Ostlie. He is survived by his brother Orville (Ruby) Johnson; daughters Marilyn {Skip) Gronhovd, Louise (Darryl) Ostlie, Karen {Lyle) Ness, Renee (Rick) Johnson; son Rick (Karen) Johnson; grandchildren Rondi (Tanner) Eggenberger, Holly Gronhovd, Scott (Stephanie) Ostlie, Lori {Chad) Verke, Stacy (Erick) Brekke, Nancy (Zach) Noreen, Todd (Adonica) Good, Annie (Rob) Nagengast, Peter Ness, Rachel Ness, Heidi (Jason) Gader, and Christine {Shawn) Gaffney, and 21 Great Grandchildren.