Doug Johnsrud
Doug Johnsrud, of Watford City, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, May 21, 2017, at McKenzie County Medical Hospital.
Douglas “Doug” Johnsrud aka “Moses” was born Nov. 23, 1945, to John and Alice (Nelson) Johnsrud. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Watford City and attended Nelson School in his elementary years. He graduated from Watford City High School in 1964. He attended Jamestown College and then entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea.
Doug and Bonnie (Toepke) were married at First Lutheran Church in Mandan in November 1970. They joined the Johnsrud family farm where they have resided for 46 years. After 13 years of marriage, they were blessed with one son, Kristopher, and spent many happy years following him around as he played hockey and baseball.
Doug loved to farm, but especially enjoyed caring for livestock and bailing hay. His cows were his pride and joy. He also was a great sports enthusiast especially for the New York Yankees. He was reading the Fargo Forum sports pages and baseball box scores before he started the first grade. He played five years “first string” with the Watford Legion baseball team. He also played basketball in high school and was known for a long-soft jump shot. In one game he scored 48 points from what would now be “three point range”; todays scoring would have given him 72 points. In later years, Doug was an ardent supporter of the Watford City Legion baseball program. Each winter he handwrote more than a hundred letters to businesses and individuals seeking their support for the next year’s baseball season. His letters were an important part of baseball fund raising program.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing in all seasons. There are several prize mounts to attest to his success. Days hunting with his friends were highlights of his years.
Doug was known for his excellent penmanship and organization. For the past several years he has kept records for Garden Lutheran Cemetery as well as other community organizations.
Doug is survived by his wife, Bonnie; son, Kristopher and his wife Hallie, and three and a half grandchildren, Hayden, Halle, Jeter, and baby due in July, all of Watford City. Other survivors include two brothers, Myron (Muriel), Fargo; Merton (Karen), Bismarck; brother-in-law, Richard (Sandy) Toepke, Rapid City, S.D.; three nieces and three nephews and their families, and mother-in-law, Alice Witkowski.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alice Johnsrud; and fathers-in-law, Frank Witkowski and Lyle Toepke.
His Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home - Watford City.
His funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City. Pastor Rob Favorite officiated. Interment was held in the Garden Cemetery.