Kurt Johnson
Kurt Arthur Johnson was born December 11, 1941, in Arnegard, N.D., to Herman D. and Catherine (Thompson) Johnson. He grew up on a farm 10 miles NE of Arnegard. He attended and graduated from Watford City High School in Watford City, N.D.
Kurt married Sheila (Tank) on October 13, 1962. To this union was born Judi (Glenn) Overby of Kennewick, Wash., William (Melissa) Johnson of Arlington, Wash., RoAnn (Darrell) Williams of Hamilton, Mont., and Michelle (Wilbur) Douma of Bozeman, Mont.
In 1971 Kurt and Sheila bought the farmstead in N.D. The years on the farm were enjoyed by many including nephews and nieces who came to work there in the summer. In 1985 they moved into Watford City and in 1995 they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho with his final home in Rathdrum, Idaho.
Shortly after graduating from Auctioneering School in Mason City, Iowa in 1964, Kurt started J&M Auctions with Orville (Carol) Mjelstad of Arnegard, N.D., and they sold together for 30 plus years. In addition to auctioneering and farming, Kurt also obtained his commercial pilot license flying for a taxi service in Williston, N.D., sold insurance for Farmers Insurance, obtained his real estate license, he operated his own semi doing local hauling, and after moving to Idaho, drove for Benjamin Trucking until illness forced him into retirement in 2000.
The best choice Kurt ever made, and never regretted, was at an annual church convention, in Dagmar, Mont. in 1961, where he professed to God and all present that he was willing to serve Him. This choice set a standard in his life and in his home. His zeal and compassion for truth, family, music, and fellowship was evident in his life.
He is survived by his wife, of 55 years; four children; and nine grandchildren; Dustin Overby, Bailey Overby, Hannah Johnson, Lydia Johnson, Liam Johnson, Adam Johnson, Garrett Williams, Wyatt Williams, Sierra Williams, and 70 plus foster grandchildren; brother, Kent (Addie) Johnson of Johnstown, Colo.; sisters, Berdena Krapu of Castle Rock, Colo., and Pamela (Calvin) Haugan of Watford City, N.D.; in-laws, Yvonne Borgmann of Helena, Mont., Doyne (Cecilia) Tank of Plain City, Utah; Dennis (Charlene)Tank of Bismarck, N.D., Arlyce (James) Ross of Longview, Wash., and Gerald (Theresa) Watkins of Livingston, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Herman D. and Catherine Johnson; brother, Herman Johnson; and all his aunts and uncles.
The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for all the help and support received from family, friends, and all medical staff through all the years of his illnesses.
Viewing and Visitation for family and friends was Sunday June 11, from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Yates funeral home Coeur d’Alene Chapel.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Monday June 12 at The Waldo Residence 27769 W. Highway 53 Hauser, Idaho 83854.
Graveside committal will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday June 14, 2017, at Pinegrove cemetery in Rathdrum Idaho. Please visit Kurt’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com