Phyllis Mae Johnson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Phyllis Mae Johnson, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, who left this world on April 22, 2025. Born on January 9, 1935, in Minot, North Dakota, Phyllis was the cherished daughter of Merrel Dahle and Julia Dahle (Helseth). She grew up in a loving environment, where her spirited nature shone through as she excelled as a cheerleader and basketball player during her school years. She also enjoyed riding horses with her brother Gale and she always preferred helping out in the barn over the house. Phyllis graduated from high school in the spring of 1952, ready to embark on a life filled with love and companionship.

Shortly thereafter, on June 6th,1952, she married the love of her life, William Johnson, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together and their 72 year long marriage. The couple created a warm and nurturing home on a family farm, where they welcomed three children: Steven, Billy, and Judy. As a devoted homemaker, Phyllis poured her heart into her family, her home, and the family farm, making their home a beacon of love and joy.

Phyllis loved coaching the Donnybrook women’s softball team, singing in the church choir, and, after her kids graduated, she became a Mary Kay consultant. When her children grew older, she and William enjoyed countless adventures together, golfing and traveling, often spending winters basking in the warm sunlight of Texas and Arizona, cherishing every moment side by side.

Phyllis and William eventually moved from their family farm to Minot, ND in 1993. In their later years, Phyllis and William made their home in Fargo, where they lived at New Perspective for the past three years. Through her kindness, compassion, and unwavering support, Phyllis touched the lives of everyone around her, earning the admiration and love of friends and family alike. Her ability to put others before herself was a testament to her strength and character.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Merrel and Julia, her brother Gale Dahle, her sister Joyce Moore, her in-laws Thure and Alberta Johnson, and her sister-in-law Patsy Hendershot.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, held dear by her children, Steven Johnson, Billy (Candy) Johnson, and Judy (Dave) Felch. Phyllis will also be missed by her six grandchildren: Jerod (Kelly) Johnson, Shawn Ferry, Natalie Tuchscherer, Christy (Tim) Ronningen, Michael Felch, and Katie (Alec) Ganske, along with her ten great-grandchildren: Arabelle and Talen Tuchscherer, Linken and Declan Johnson, Charli and Mia Ganske, and Lakin, Keaton, Teagen, and Camden Ronningen. Phyllis is also survived by her sister-in-laws Elaine Dahle, Ann (Gary) Scheig and Faye Schaefer, and many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis’s family invites all who knew and loved her to remember her as the kind, caring soul she was. They wish to share their deepest gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time.

A small, private funeral service will be held at a later date at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center. Phyllis will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Garden Cemetery in Minot, North Dakota. Phyllis’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to Hospice of Red River Valley.