Bennie Johnson

Wilfred Brynjolfur "Bennie" Johnson, Jr., passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2008 in Billings, Montana due to complications of Alzheimers. Bennie was born in Hallson, North Dakota, on October 25, 1925 to Gudrun and Wilfred Johnson. He graduated in 1943 from Cavalier High School. He served in WW II as a tail gunner on a B-17. He attended UND and graduated from NDAC (now NDSU) in 1951. Bennie married Lillian Johnson in Gardar, North Dakota in 1949. They had their 59th Anniversary in June. Bennie was a farmer, teacher, county agent and worked at the First National Bank (now Alerus Financial), for over 33 years. He was Past Exalted Ruler of the Grand Forks Elks Club, President of the Grand Forks Gun Club, a long time member of the Grand Forks Country Club, Jaycees, Soil Conservation District, the Chamber of Commerce and a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. You always knew Bennie from his big smile and flat-top haircut. Bennie and Lillian wintered in Stuart, Florida for several years, finally moving there full time in 2002. They moved to Billings in 2006 to be close to their son. Bennie is survived by his wife, Lillian, Billings, Montana; son, Kevin, Billings; a daughter, Kari (Dr. Rick) Wolf, Joplin, Missouri; grandson, Jared (Amber) Wolf, Lakewood, Colorado; granddaughters, Sacha Thrall, Denver, Colorado, Kinsey Johnson, Billings, Kailee King, Arlington, Texas, Arial Wolf, Oregon, Kiira Wolf, Joplin, Tovah Wolf, Grand Forks; and great grandkids, Dylan and Alexis, Arlington, Texas; brothers, Arni (Deloris), Cavalier, North Dakota, Stephan (Rita), Martinez, California, Donald (Judy) Cavalier; sisters, Corlis Gudmundson, Carrington, North Dakota, Kay (Bob) Olson, Glasston, North Dakota, and Ruth (Ken) Neilson, Lindstrom, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. Bennie liked to hunt, fish, golf, camp and go on cruises. He was very proud of his family and of his Icelandic Heritage. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Kent. Services: will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2008 in Calvary Lutheran Church 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks. Visitation: will be from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Monday, August 11, 2008 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks, and one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment: Gardar, North Dakota