Norris Johnson

Norris Johnson, 92, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Barnesville, passed away October 11, 2025, at the Minnesota Veterans Homes in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Norris Wendell Johnson was born on April 26, 1933, near Arnegard, North Dakota to Walter and Myrtle (Earley) Johnson. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Minnesota, where he began farming alongside his father.

In May 1953, Norris was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he served for two years. During his service, he drove the company jeep and worked in telephone communications. He achieved the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in May 1955. After returning home, Norris continued farming with his father.

On July 21, 1956, Norris was united in marriage to Darlene Jane Heggen. Together they made their home on a farm north of Rothsay, Minnesota, where they lived until moving to Fergus Falls in 2019. In June 2025, Norris moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

Norris was active in his community throughout his life. He served for many years on the Prairie View Township Board and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. He was also a devoted member of The Gideons International for more than 50 years, sharing his faith and helping distribute Bibles. Skilled with his hands, Norris enjoyed carpentry work and was proud to have helped build Hope Lutheran Brethren Church in Barnesville, Minnesota where he was a charter member and an Elder.

Norris gave his life to Christ as a teenager after reading Matthew 24. He faithfully served the Lord and shared the gospel!

Family meant everything to Norris. His grandchildren have countless fond memories of time spent on the farm—eating popcorn, finding candy in the house and the tractor, and camping out together on the warm living room floor in their sleeping bags. Breakfast with Grandpa was always a treat, especially when it ended with his favorite—chocolate cake with white frosting. His playful humor earned him the affectionate nickname “Silly Grandpa.”

Norris is survived by his loving wife Darlene; children Todd (Diane) Johnson, Linda (Dean) Seaver, and Kathie (Jeff) Seaver; his brother Milton (Joanne) Johnson, and brother-in-law Marlen Malingen; grandchildren Mandy (Aaron) Haggin, Jeffrey (Kiana) Johnson, Sandra (Dave) Berggren, Nick (Amanda) Seaver, Lyndsey (Tom) Steele, Erin (Luke) Reiter, Andrew Seaver, Laura (Joshua) Erickson, Elizabeth (Max) Johnson, Joe (Claire Driessen) Seaver, Troy Mulder, Amy (Tanner) Auch, Stacy (Eric) Kemerling; and several nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by many great-grandchildren — Jordan, Skylar, Makenna, Calvin, Riley, Logan, Addison, Payton, Morgan, Porter, Rowan, Truett, Hadley, Tatum, Caleb, Levi, Micah, Lydia, Norah, Josie, Ethan, Emma, Caleb, and Isaac.

Norris was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Myrtle Johnson, brother Norman (Beverly) Johnson, sister Donene Malingen, daughter-in-law Deb Johnson, nieces Vicki Ann Malingen and Donita Johnson.

Norris will be remembered for his faith and love for Jesus, hard work, and generous spirit — and, for the love and laughter he shared with his family and friends.

Memorials are preferred to Inspiration Point Bible Camp and the Gideons International.

A Funeral Service will be held 11 AM, Friday, October 17, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Brethren Church, 807 5th Street SE Barnesville, MN 56514. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm Thursday, October 16, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Prairie View Cemetery.