Delores Johnson

Delores’ service will be livestreamed below on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 10:00AM:

Delores Helen Ann Johnson (Handeland), beloved and devoted mom, grandma, great-grandma and sister, received her angel wings and entered the kingdom of Heaven on April 7, 2024 at the age of 87. She was lovingly cared for during her final days by her children and staff at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND. Born on October 6, 1936, the fifth of nine children to Clarence and Jennie (Hurst) Handeland on her grandfather’s homestead south of the International Peace Garden at Dunseith ND. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, first husband Lawrence Belcourt, second husband Marvin Johnson, infant sons Jeffery, Joseph and Larry, Grandchildren Katie and Joseph, Sisters Beverly, Muriel, and Elaine, Brothers Donald and Kenneth, several brother’s and sister’s-in-law, bonus son Jim, and bonus great-grandson Cody.

On October 6, 1954, Delores was united in marriage to Lawrence Belcourt at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dunseith ND, living in several towns in ND until they settled in Fargo in 1964. Lawrence passed away August 4, 1998.

Delores was united in marriage to Marvin Johnson on November 11, 2000 at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fargo, making their home in McHenry, ND. Marvin passed away October 2, 2012. Delores moved back to Fargo in 2013.

Delores attended schools in Dunseith, Valley City and Fargo, graduating with a degree in accounting. She worked in several positions throughout her career including the Moose Lodge, Western Auto Parts, and at NDSU. She did volunteer work with Green Thumb in McHenry, and where ever she could. Finally retiring for the second and third time in her 70’s. She loved working and helping others. She was a Camp Fire Girls leader and a Cub Scout Leader in the late 60’s. Over the years Delores enjoyed doing accounting, bowling on leagues, playing cards with friends, gardening and canning, dancing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, singing and listening to old time country music, live music, pet visits, watching game shows (her favorites were The Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, Wheel of Fortune, and watching Mass on tv when she could no longer get out for church, all of which we did not call and interrupt her watching). She also loved reading, crossword puzzles, bingo, arts and crafts and keeping up with the news. She enjoyed going on casino bus trips and special casino trips with her son and daughter-in-law. Most of all she loved spending time with family and friends discussing happenings and reminiscing about the old days. She was a proud member of the Women of the Moose and the VFW for 34 years each, the American Legion for five years and the Eagles Club for three years.

Delores is survived by her five children; Denise (Mike) Kashmark of Maple Grove, MN, James (Deb) Belcourt of W. Fargo, ND, Jerry (Mary) Belcourt of Fargo, ND, DiAnn (Bill) Steffen of Mapleton, ND, and Steve (Katrina) Belcourt of Fargo, ND, three bonus children; Mary Jo (Randy) Bartlett of McHenry, Connie (John) Stangeland of Jaunita, ND, and Candice ( Jerry Keller) of Bismarck, ND, bonus daughter-in-law of Bismarck, ND, 30-plus grandchildren, 40-plus great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, her sisters Lorraine (Orly) Kjelshus of Bottineau, ND, Charlotte (Roger) Hahn of Kramer, ND, and brother Duane Handeland of Dunseith, ND, brother-in-law Mel Hamnes, Bottineau, ND, brother-in-law Dwight (Hildi) Johnson and sister-in-law Gloria Eberhardt, Spring Lake Park, MN, as well as countless nieces, nephews and friends.