Walter Johnson
Graveside services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, for Walter Victor Johnson, 86, Rugby, who died Saturday, May 9 at the VA Medical Center in Fargo.
Walter was born on Aug. 27, 1922 in the home of his parents in Spring Lake Township, Pierce County, the son of Christian and Sigurd (Johnson) Johnson.
He was raised in the home of his parents and received his education in the Barton School. After completing his schooling he worked with his father on the farm. On Dec. 18, 1940 he enlisted in the Rugby National Guard, serving in Company D, 164th Infantry as a heavy motor crewman. His unit was activated into the U.S. Army in February of 1940 and participated in the battles of Guadalcanal and the Northern Solomons during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 3, 1944 to the National Guard, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He returned to North Dakota and married Ruby Ongstad. Walter owned and operated the grocery store in Wolford and farmed there for many years. Following Ruby’s death in 1970, he moved to Phoenix, where he did construction work. In 1973 he moved to Great Falls, Mont., and continued working in the construction and carpentry trades. In 2002 he married Mona (Sveum) Lyngstad in Great Falls. The couple made their home in Rugby until his death.
He held a lifetime membership in the VFW and also enjoyed memberships in the Eagles and Moose lodges.
He is survived by his wife, Mona; three sons, Victor, Poway, Calif., Boyd, New York, and Chris, Great Falls; five grandchildren; two great-grandsons; a brother, Robert, Rugby; a sister, Esther Person, St. Cloud, Minn.; and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by six brothers, Andrew, Frank, Carl, Philip, Donald and Kenneth; and his parents.
Rev. Mike Pretzer will officiate. Military honors will be accorded. Honorary bearers will be members of the Rugby National Guard Unit, Company D of the 164th Infantry Division.
Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.