Dennis J. Johnson, age 74, resident of Lakota, ND, died Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center.

Dennis Jerome Johnson was born April 3, 1937 at Lakota, the son of Esther and Clarence Tufte. He attended the Cleveland School near Brocket, ND. Dennis and Clarence then worked for a farmer in the Osnabrock area. Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 12, 1961 in Fargo, ND, and was honorably discharged on September 11, 1963 at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO with the rank of Private 1 st Class. He returned to Lakota and worked for over 40 years as a diesel mechanic for Hulstrand Construction. He also raised sheep at his farm. After Dennis retired he worked at the Stump Lake Park and also operated the bait shop there. He was a member of the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 at Lakota, where he served as Past Commander and other offices. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and all animals, especially his dogs.

Dennis will be missed by his 4 brothers, Gerald (Dorothea) Tufte of Hillsboro, ND, Roger Tufte of Lakota, Norris (Kathy) Tufte of Fargo, ND, and Douglas (Judy) Tufte of Audubon, MN; 10 nieces and nephews; and other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Curtis Tufte, and niece Stacey Tufte.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.   Pastor Horn will officiate. The organist will be Karen Fowler and the soloist will be Sally Simonson. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery. The casketbearers will be Elroy Johnson, Albert Johnson, Roger Sateren, Jim Hatlestad, Bob Ferguson, and Dick Hamel. The family considers all of Dennis' friends to be honorary casketbearers. Military Honors will be accorded by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 and the North Dakota Military Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Thursday, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.