Dennis Leroy Johnson

Dennis Leroy Johnson, age 74, resident of Tolna, ND passed away in his home Tuesday, May 29, 2018 from his battle with cancer.

Dennis was born February 27, 1944 in McVille, ND the son of Martin and Alice (Ensrud) Johnson.  He grew up in Tolna with his parents and brother Harlan, and worked with and learned from his dad in the blacksmith shop.  Dennis graduated from the Tolna School in 1962 and went onto college in Wahpeton for a year in autobody.  After that he spent some time living in the cities and then 3 years in Missoula, MT.  He eventually moved back to Tolna to work in the blacksmith shop with his dad and take it over when his dad retired in 1985.  Dennis met Peggy Farrell one summer while she was visiting and helping family and they were married on October 27, 1978.  They lived in Tolna and were blessed with a daughter Melissa in 1981 and a son Jeremy in 1982.  He took on the position of Tolna’s water and wastewater operator for over 20 years while continuing to work at the blacksmith shop which would end up being over 40 years.  During that time he turned to the creative side of things with his welding and besides fixing farm equipment and various other things, he started making beautiful pieces of metal furniture and yard art.  His daughter also began working in the shop with him and continued with that creative side and they began traveling around to craft shows with their work.  His metal work has made its home in many states across the U.S.  Dad loved to travel and see things including all the old-time equipment and vehicles.  He visited Rollag, MN many times through the years with his buddies, went on a few bachelor road trips with friends across the United States, and made some solo trips to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.  He continued to work at the shop even after his retirement and up until his recent diagnosis.  He spent lots of time with his grandchildren, watched many of their ball games, watched his Green Bay Packers, and enjoyed relaxing and visiting with all his friends @L&J’s.  Dad was a very hardworking, quiet, fun to be around guy who loved to tease and joke and would fix anything for anyone or lend a hand.  His spark and presence will be deeply and greatly missed by all. 

He is survived by his daughter Melissa (Darren) Lee of Tolna; son Jeremy (Allie) Johnson of Devils Lake; 3 grandchildren Preston, Jasmine and Savannah; and brother Harlan (Wendy) Johnson of Minot; mother-in-law Anna Farrell of Tolna.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, many aunts, uncles and cousins, and his loving wife Peggy.

Funeral services for Dennis will be held Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the American Lutheran Church of Tolna, ND.  Visitation will be Friday, June 1, 2018 from 5 PM to 7 PM with a 7 PM family service in the American Lutheran Church of Tolna and continue one hour prior to services in the church.  Interment will be in the Tolna Cemetery. 

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