Oliver J. Johnson

Oliver Jarstad Johnson, 96, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Grand Forks, ND.

Oliver was born in Grand Forks, ND, on July 3, 1928, to John I. Johnson and Gina Jarstad Johnson. He grew up on the Johnson family farm in rural Fordville, ND. Oliver was baptized and confirmed at Quale Lutheran Church. He graduated from eighth grade at Cleveland Township School and started farming with his father and brothers. His childhood was full of faith, family, and farming.

Oliver fell in love with a girl from a farm a couple of miles away from his family’s farm. Her name was Lorna Loken. In March 1951, Oliver joined the United States Army. In October 1951, Lorna took a train to Texas, where Oliver was stationed, and they were married. Oliver’s military service took him to stations around the U.S. and to Germany.

In 1953, Oliver left the Army and started farming near Dahlen, ND. Whether it was grain, sunflowers, or cattle, life on the farm was Oliver’s calling. And with Lorna at his side, they raised three boys and one girl. Oliver farmed with his sons, supporting their participation in 4-H and tractor pulls. He also entertained his grandchildren with everything from ice cream cones to polka parties to sleigh rides behind old tractors. No Christmas Eve was complete without lutefisk, lefsa, and meatballs.

In 2011, Oliver and Lorna moved to Grand Forks. They enjoyed this new chapter “in town” and in 2021, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Over the last few years, Oliver resided at Valley Memorial 4000 Square. He remained sharp as a tack and enjoyed bingo, jellybeans, chocolate, Coca-Cola, and fellowship services. The family thanks the amazing Valley Memorial staff for their exceptional care of Oliver.

Oliver was a member of the Quale Lutheran Church in Fordville and the Bosh-Ryba American Legion Post in Lankin. He was active in support of the grain elevator cooperatives near his farm.

Oliver is survived by their four children: Michael of Fordville, Gordon (Debbie) of Fordville, Gary (Kristi) of Devils Lake, and Michele of Washington, DC; six grandchildren: Justin (Jessica), Kayla, Greg, Ashley (Harold), Brittany (Dennis), and Ross (Nicole); seven great-grandchildren: John, Jack, Marlee, Rocco, Henry, Rev, and Andi. Oliver is also survived by a large number of nieces, nephews, godchildren, brother Lloyd (Margaret) of Minnesota, and his sister-in-law Ila Loken of Arizona.

Oliver was preceded in death by his wife, Lorna in September 2022; siblings: Ingdolph, Opal (Myron), Iverna (Louis), Gloria (Lionel), and John Henry. Throughout his long life, Oliver was grateful for his wonderful friends and neighbors, on the farm and in Grand Forks.

Visitation will be held at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND on Wednesday, February 5, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00pm. Funeral Services will take place at Quale Lutheran Church in Fordville, ND on Thursday, February 6, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to the Quale Lutheran Church or the Valley Senior Living Foundation “Wishing Well” program.