Keith Johnson

keith johnson

Keith L. Johnson, 90, Fargo, formerly Ayr, N.D., passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at Sanford Hospital, Fargo.

Keith Leo Johnson was born on December 17, 1921 at Page, N.D., the son of Clark and Eva (Knowles) Johnson. He grew up in Ayr and graduated from the Ayr High School. Keith attended North Dakota State University. He married Connie Syverud  on May 6, 1942 at Rock Island, IL. The couple lived in Davenport, IA. They moved back to Ayr in 1943. Keith was a Mobil Oil distributor for many years in Ayr and Fargo until his retirement in 2003. Following his retirement, he moved to Fargo and enjoyed watching a variety of sports including Bison football and basketball games, and the Minnesota Twins. Keith served as President of Bonanzaville and was a member of the North Dakota State Historical Society.

Keith's lifetime passion was collecting antiques. He spent many years renovating a number of buildings in Ayr and enjoyed providing tours to friends and various organizations.

He is survived by his sister Joy and brother Gary, both of Fargo, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Connie and son Lonnie, his parents, and two brothers, Marvin and Beverly (Chug) Johnson.

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  1. Pioneer CAAs a neice of Keith & Connie, I along with my brothers & later my own children, thought the little town was just for us! It was our Summer playground!
    Trips too many to count, memories are most wonderful. Uncle Keith & Aunt Connie always made us feel so very welcomed. And now I only wish I could share it all over again with my grandchildren – magical! We will forever love & appreciate & now miss them very much.

  2. I visited the town of Ayr back in the mid 70’s with my father and other family members. It was my fathers home town (Father: James Girard – Born 1914: Died 1976). He enjoyed going back home to the town where he grew up (his health was failing). It’s so nice to see the work that Mr. Johnson did in honor of his son and nice to visit the photos of the town / buildings online.

  3. Carrollton TexasPlease extend my condolences to the family. Uncle Keith was a kind and gracious man to everyone he met…and he blessed my life with his kindness years many ago.

  4. I remember when my family visited Keith and Connie in 1985, he showed me so much cool stuff, things I didn’t know existed! R.I.P. Keith, thanks for the memories (((HUGS)))

    Tara Reno Riordan
    Connie’s cousin

  5. Phenix City AlabamaI was saddened to hear about keiths death. I haven’t seen him now for several years. I had the pleasure of working for him at his Mobil Oil Company in Ayr for 4 years (1961-1965). He gave me a job when I needed one. I remember him being a dedicated worker, and he built a small business into a very large one. He was very ambitous person. Keith worked hard, and played hard. He earned everything he got. I remember well his historic town that he built, and all the antique cars that he enjoyed bringing back to life, and driving them in parades, or maybe just on a Sunday afternoon. He was a pillar of the community, serving as mayor, on the school board, and as a deacon at his church. Much, much more could be said, and it would all be good.
    Farewell my friend,
    Sincerely, Robert D. Moseson

  6. Jamestown ND
    Gary, Thinking of you at this time…We always enjoyed Keith and Connie and all of their stories of antiques and cars.
    We hauled gas to Keith and you for sometime. We met Keith and Connie in the 1970’s. They were a great couple.

  7. Fargo NdAs a young girl growing up I Ayr, I looked to Keith and Connie as great role models. They were the age group that buffered my friends and I with my parents. I remember what great supporters they were for all of us. I left Ayr in my early teens, but what good memories I have of them and the Johnson family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Janet Beattie Johnson

  8. Moorhead MN
    We recall Keith’s dedication and love for his family. He endeavored to be busy all through life. We’ll fondly remember tours taken of Ayr.

  9. Grand Rapids MIThe Mitchell Boy’s send our prayers for Keith and Family. Our brother Ken, worked for Keith for a few years. Keith did a very nice job in keeping Ayr on the map, with his ‘Little Village’, I called it.
    May he rest in peace.
    Bill, Ed, Don (our beloved brother Ken, who is resting at this time).


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