William Johnson

William (Bill) J. Johnson, aged 85, formerly of Northwood, ND passed away in Savage, MN on April 28, 2025. Born in Northwood to Vernon and Fern (Gaulke) Johnson, Bill was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. He grew up in the tight-knit community of Hatton, ND, where he completed his elementary and high school education, graduating in 1957.

Bill’s thirst for knowledge led him to earn a Juris Doctor Law degree with honors from the University of North Dakota in 1963. He published a number of briefs and opinions in the North Dakota Law Review and was a member of the Phi Delta Phi Law Fraternity and Theta Chi Social Fraternity.

On December 28, 1963, he married the love of his life, Myrna Erickson, beginning a marriage that would span 62 cherished years. Soon after, Bill was commissioned into the Judge Advocate Generals Department of the U.S. Air Force as a First Lieutenant at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, GA. During this time he was admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States and the US Court of Appeals in Washington DC. His service earned him the Commendation Medal for Distinguished Service and he was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1967.

Returning to North Dakota, Bill resumed his legal career by partnering with local attorney Roger Kringle. He also served as the City Attorney for Northwood, Hatton, and Larimore before establishing his own law practice in Northwood, ND. His professional journey culminated in the formation of Johnson & Lawrence, a partnership dedicated to the communities they served.

Beyond his professional life, Bill embraced many different activities that enriched his life and those around him. He was a fervent supporter of the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team. He also found joy in golfing with his buddies, playing cards, snowmobiling and treasured moments at the family lake house especially with the grandchildren. Winters spent in Arizona allowed him and Myrna to savor the simple pleasures each season brought. They also enjoyed traveling to such places as Norway, Alaska, Panama Canal and many more places.

Bill was a member of Northwood Evangelical Lutheran Church lending his voice to the church choir for 32 years. He was also an associate member of Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, AZ. Bill was a driving force in many of Northwood's civic institutions. His roles as president or Commander for groups such as the Commercial Club, the American Legion, and the Jaycees highlight his passion for community betterment. Perhaps most telling is his and Myrna’s leadership in co-chairing the 1984 Northwood City Centennial.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his sixties, Bill courageously battled the disease for the rest of his life.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Myrna; his children—Kristin (David) Povilonis of Basehor, KS and children Cullen, Cale, and Campbell; Jay (Kathy) Johnson of Prior Lake, MN and children Hannah, Joshua, and George; and Ericka (Ron) Anderson of Maineville, OH and children Elizabeth, Ashley, Rachel and Alissa; his brother and his wife, Bob and Ginny Johnson, nephew Eric and niece Kimberly; and his sister-in-law and husband, Marlys and Rolf Olson, and nephew Daniel. He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Fern Johnson; in-laws George and Mathilda Erickson; brother-in-law Eldon Erickson; and nephew Paul Olson.

Bill’s life was a testament to service, love, and community. His legacy of unwavering duty and warm-hearted passion for life will be forever remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. His memory endures in the lives he influenced and the hearts he left behind.

Memorials in honor of Bill may be sent to the Northwood Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or any organization of your choosing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the Northwood Evangelical Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin an hour earlier.