Duane Johnson

Duane Johnson, 81, Minot, ND, passed away peacefully at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND, on December 24, 2022.

Duane Frederick Johnson was born April 28, 1941, in Devils Lake, ND, to Fred and Alma (Gustafson) Johnson. Minnewaukan, ND, had a special place in his heart, as it is where he grew up with his parents before moving on to college. He attended Devils Lake Junior College and Minot State Teachers College, earning a teaching degree in biological science and physical education. This is where Duane’s legacy in teaching and coaching began.

Before retiring in 2006, Duane served as an educator in various communities, including Powers Lake, Churchs Ferry, Havana, Midway, and Minot at Bishop Ryan. He spent 42 years in education, teaching junior high science and physical education classes, while coaching football, basketball and track. Duane explored a different career route for a short period, working at Gerrell’s in Grand Forks. However, this only lasted for a year before he accepted a position at Bishop Ryan and found the education community his heart longed for.

During his 33 years at Bishop Ryan, Duane adored the students he taught, the players he coached, and the staff that became his family. He made his biggest impact where he loved spending his time most, on the basketball court. Duane served as an assistant coach for several years, but also served as the head coach two big seasons for the Bishop Ryan Lions: 1991-1992, when the Lions finished 2nd in Regionals, and 1998-1999, when the Lions placed 3rd at State.

Although Bishop Ryan was very special to Duane, his time educating in Midway is one he would never forget. Midway was where he met the love of his life, Roberta Albert, as she joined the Midway faculty to teach music in 1971. Less than a year later, Duane and Roberta tied the knot in Douglas, ND on July 14, 1972 and their love story began. They created a solid, loving foundation for their family of three beautiful girls, Kristi, Kimberly, and Kelly.

Family was extremely important to Duane. He loved his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren beyond measure. Duane was always a proud father and grandfather, who loved attending activities and spoiling his grandchildren any chance he got. He was never afraid to give them a pat on the back, a handshake, a big hug, or a wet kiss on the cheek for a job well done.

Duane enjoyed being around those that meant a lot to him and loved to stay active. During his teaching career, Duane had to keep busy in the summer by working as the groundskeeper for Central Power Electric in Minot. For almost 40 years, he was responsible for keeping the grass mowed, planting flowers and tending to them, and taking care of the many evergreens that were on the property, and keeping everyone on their toes.

He loved spending time outdoors and anything that involved sports. Most of his time was spent hunting, fishing, gardening, going on walks in Oak Park, or watching and playing sports, unless the Cleveland Indians were playing on tv. Duane earned the nickname “Wheels” when he played softball in the Old Pro league, because of his speed as he ran around the bases.

When Duane went anywhere, he ran into numerous people that he knew. He would always take the time to stop, chat, catch up on what was going on in their lives, hang on to every detail, and put a smile on their face. He was never short of words, loved cracking jokes, and had a contagious laugh. Duane Johnson touched the lives and hearts of many, and all who knew him were grateful to be blessed with the pleasure of having known him.

Duane is survived by his wife of 50 years, Roberta; daughters, Kristi (Mike) Toy, Fargo, ND, Kim (Derrick) Nelson, Pelican Rapids, MN and Kelly (Darcy) Aberle, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Kelsey, Karlie, Kyle and Michael Toy, Fargo, ND, Kirby and Kia Nelson, Pelican

Rapids, MN, and Brady and Blayke Aberle, Bismarck, ND; brothers-in-law, Jerold (Julie) Albert, Bismarck, ND, Glen Albert, Ryder, ND; sisters-in-law, Julie (Mark) Hathaway, Bismarck, ND, Leslie (Marlin) Peterson, Bismarck, ND and Gayle Albert, Garrison, ND; numerous nieces and nephews and numerous cousins that he considered more than just cousins.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Robert and Geri Albert, brother-in-law, Jerome Albert, along with many uncles and aunts whom he loved so much.

Visitation: Tuesday, January 3, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Prayer Service: Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 7:00 PM Christ Lutheran Church – Public invited.

Funeral: Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Burial: Following the funeral at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to: Minot State University – Duane and Roberta Johnson Endowment Fund, Christ Lutheran Church, Bishop Ryan Catholic School Teachers’ Endowment Fund, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Christ Lutheran Church website: https://vimeo.com/event/2746009

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).