Gene Johnson

gene johnson
Gene Johnson was born 1933 in Badger, MN, to Olga (Gregerson) and Oscar Johnson. Gene was baptized and confirmed at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Badger and graduated from Badger High School in 1951. Gene married Donna Smith in Moorhead, MN, on May 2, 1958. Gene attended Moorhead State for one year and then enlisted in the army in June of 1952. He served in the Korean War with the 196th field artillery as a forward observer and fire director center section chief from January 1 to December 30, 1953. Gene received the following medals: Korean service ribbon with two bronze service stars, United Nations service medal, National Defense service medal, Good Conduct medal, Army Commendation medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and Korean ambassador for peace medal. After military service, Gene attended Gale Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He started working as an agent telegrapher with the NP and BN Railroad in June 1955. He retired in November 1995 after 40 ½ years of service. Gene worked as depot agent in several towns in North Dakota and train dispatcher wire chief and clerk in Fargo and Dilworth. He was a member of the North Dakota Air National Guard, retiring in 1993 after 19 years. Gene was a life and charter member of AmVets post 7, life member of the VFW post 762, and DAV post 1, all in Fargo. He was a life member National Guard enlisted assoc, 196 F A assoc, National Korean War veterans. Gene was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In his earlier years, he was active in scouting, serving as scoutmaster in troops at Valley City, Sheldon, and Fargo, North Dakota. He also served as Cubmaster for three years in Cub Pack 231, Fargo, North Dakota. His greatest joy in scouting was when his son received his Eagle Badge. Gene is survived by his wife Donna and son Michael Johnson of Fargo, ND, sister-in-law Janet Johnson of Spokane, WA and several nieces and nephews. Gene is proceeded in death by his parents, brother Duane, sisters Claire and Joan, brothers-in-law Dean Wicklander and Redval Wold, and nephew Roland Wold. A private family funeral service will be held at 2 PM with visitation starting at 1 PM on Monday, November 23, 2020 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, to sign the online guestbook, go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com,

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  1. Sorry to hear about uncle Gene’s passing. And sorry I can not make it to the funeral because of issues with work.

  2. Donna & Family: I am remembering Gene from his Happy Hooligan days at the ND Air National Guard where we both served. He was always cooperative and supportive of the tasks at hand – and always with a smile! Thank you for supporting his military service and demands; and God Speed Gene.

  3. I would be neighbor to Gene for about the last 15 years. He always had time to talk and the conversations were always welcomed. Rest in peace,Gene Craig Peck

  4. Dear Donna and family I was shocked to hear of Gene’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you .Clifford and I had known you both a long time. Call me Donna if you want to talk. I know what I is like to be alone. Sincerely Ruthie Asmus

  5. Mike and Donna, so sorry to hear that Gene passed away, we spent many years together in the Happy Hooligans when he was assigned to my section as a Combat Arms Instructor, we always put him in charge of watching for alligators at the rifle and pistol range in Gulfport, MS while on deployment there. He always had a smile on his face while on the range or when he shopped at the BX where Elaine worked. We send or Condolence and Sympathy to you, Fly High old Friend, Fly High.

  6. Aunt Donna and Michael

    I am sorry for the loss of your husband and dad. May your memories with him give
    you comfort in the days ahead.

  7. We will both miss Gene so very much! He was such a kind-hearted and enjoyable neighbor. In addition, he had a warm and wonderful sense of humor, and he cared deeply about our entire neighborhood. He was a productive, accomplished and self-sufficient man. We are so sad that he left, but we also know that this world’s loss means that Heaven gained another angel!

  8. Sorry to hear of Uncle Gene passing. I used to love visiting you all. I remember one time when my dad sent me into his work to pull a joke on him. He wasn’t sure who I was because it had been years since I seen him but once he seen my dad I thought he was going to chase him around the building. We all laughed and enjoyed the visit. Mom(Janet Johnson) sends her condolences she is so sorry to hear of Gene passing.

  9. Donna & Mike, Very sad to hear of Gene’s passing. What a great experience working with Gene on the Northern Pacific and the Burlington Northern. Also, a pleasure working with Gene in the ND Air National Guard Combat
    Arms section. Gene was always in the right place at the right time with a smile on his face. My life has been enhanced because of Gene. He will be missed.
    Shirley and I convey our most sincere sympathy to both of you.

  10. Aunt Donna and Mike. Sorry for your loss and to here about uncle Gene’s passing. He was the only person I saw speak Norwegian to a dog. Take care and we are thinking of you.

    Mike

  11. Donna and Mike, I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Gene’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  12. We are sorry to hear about the loss of your dad Mike. Our sympathy to your entire family. Dan and Terri

  13. Donna & Mike, sorry to hear of Cousin Gene’s passing. We grew up together and moving to Fargo I lived with aunt and uncle as he had. I remember some good times as he visited often. He was very good to them. Time goes so fast & I regret not keeping in touch. Sounds like you have a lot of good memories!!!

  14. Aunt Donna and Mike, so sorry to hear about Uncle Gene’s passing. I have had lots of fond memories from our trips to Fargo and Badger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you

  15. Sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. I was a scout in troop 204 out of Bethlehem Lutheran church in Fargo. Gene was an active member of the men’s leadership council there and was instrumental in assisting me and several other young men in achieving scouting’s highest rank. I will always be grateful for the support and example those men provided to us.
    Gene and my father were friends and were both active members in the VFW. Like most who served our nation I know Gene was always proud of his service record.
    The picture you’ve chosen for Gene’s obituary here is exactly as I’ll always rememver him: with a big smile on his face. Men of Gene’s character and spirit of service to nation and neighbor are few and far between these days. His is an example of a life well lived.
    Well done Gene, rest in peace.
    Scott Braaten

  16. Dear,Donna and Mike, sorry to hear about Uncle Gene’s passing. I have the best memories of visiting you in Fargo. I remember his laugh, sounded just like Grandma Olga. May his memory be blessed.

  17. Thoughts and prayers Mike and Donna!! He was Rollie favorite uncle and my favorite great uncle!! A lot of great memories!!

  18. I’m so sorry to hear about Gene’s passing. My deepest condolences to Gene’s family and friends. I was the UPS driver at Burlington Northern and saw Gene there many times. He always had a great smile. I’ll have you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and God Bless. RIP Gene.


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