Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson, age 74, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday, January 2^nd, at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Fargo, ND. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 15^th, at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. John Ragan officiating. Interment and military honors will be at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, MN on Friday, June 16th. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Thursday (15^th) at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Mike was born in Delano, MN and was the only son of Harold and Evelyn Johnson. He grew up spending as much time as he could in the woods. He went to Lutheran boarding school and spent the summers helping out on the farms of his aunts and uncles.

Mike, a Veteran of the Vietnam War, served as enlisted in the United States Air Force. There he handled aviation munitions and base guard duty during enemy offensives. He served in Okinawa, South Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and Panama, to name a few. He was particularly proud of being appointed to trainer and Flight Commander positions. Along with Navigator and Weapons Officer in F4 Phantoms, Mike was proud of the fact that one of the jets he flew in was on display in the USAF Museum. Finally, he rejoined as a sergeant in the National Guard during the Iraq war where he did similar munitions work state side as he had done during his service in Vietnam.

After his return, he attended the University of Minnesota Morris where he obtained a BA in Theater, and later on an MBA. During his time at University of Minnesota Morris he met his future wife Debra "Deb" F. Johnson (neé Skolte). He went through Officer Candidate School, served with distinction, while rising to the rank of Captain 0-3.

He enjoyed watching football, architecture, woodworking, birds, and country life in general.

They are survived by their children Ryan (Maria), Nathaniel (Kelli), Alyssa, (Kyle), Tristan (Noemi), many brothers and sisters on Deb's side, and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife.