Neil Alton Johnson, 75
Neil Alton Johnson, 75, of Kennedy, Minn., died Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in Fargo, N.D.
Neil was born on Jan. 19, 1948, in Hallock, Minn., to Alton and Bonnie (Nelson) Johnson. Neil lived and went to school in Kennedy, where he graduated in 1966. He was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of Maria Lutheran Church. He attended Moorhead State University. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. He served in Korea during the Vietnam War. When he returned to the states he utilized the G.I. Bill and went back to Moorhead State University. In 1976, Neil returned to Tegner Township and farmed for his uncle Glen Gunnarson.
He met his wife Kimberley (Kositzky) on campus. They were united in marriage at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hallock on Oct. 30, 1976. They made their home and raised their children, Adam and Erin, on the Johnson Family Century farm.
He was not only a farmer, but an avid gardener. He enjoyed growing produce for his wife to can, preserve and give away. He was the Commander of the Kittson County VFW Post 3828 for 42 years. He found great pride in volunteering his time to the Post and Club as the Commander. He was also a member of the Hallock and Lake Bronson American Legion and Hallock Eagles.
Neil is survived by: his wife of 47 years, Kimberley; son, Adam Johnson of Fargo; and daughter, Erin (Kevin) Balstad of Argyle, Minn.; his grandchildren, Cullen and Brennan Balstad; brothers, Terry (Cindy Spilde) Johnson of Battle Lake, Minn., David (Deb) Johnson of Moorhead, Minn., Spud (Kris) Johnson of Dilworth, Minn.; and sister, Carole (Dick) Krogstad of Thief River Falls, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Kirk (Dan) Wanderscheid and April (Neil) Klutman; brother-in-law, Kyle (Annie) Kositzky; 14 nieces and nephews; 16 great-nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Alton and Bonnie; brother, Bob; and in-laws, Paul and Bobbe Kositzky; sister-in-law, Louise; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, at 2 p.m. in Maria Lutheran Church, Kennedy. Interment will be in the Kennedy City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. Pastor Kathy Levenhagen, presiding; Patti Swanson, organist and Michael Swanson, soloist. Honorary pall bearers will be Gary Holm, Robert Pearson, Danny Lundberg, Glen Lundberg, Bob Gunnarson, Gus Gunnarson, Tom Silewski, Butch Fossell and Dusty Dawson. Military honors will be accorded by the North Dakota National Guard.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, is in charge of arrangements. www.austinfuneralchapel.com.
