October 12, 2011

Carroll Johnston

Funeral services for Carroll F. Johnston, 76, of Watford City, N.D., were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, with Pastor Rob Favorite officiating. Interment was held in Garden Cemetery, Watford City. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Carroll F. Johnston was born in Watford City on Jan. 24, 1935, to Andrew and Leva (Thompson) Johnston. He went to school at the Signal school north of Watford City. After the passing of his father, he lived and ranched with Uncle Ben Johnston. In 1957, Carroll got drafted into the Army, going to boot camp in Ft. Carson, Colo. He was medically discharged a short time later. Before and after the army, he and Uncle Ben, along with his brothers, Ted and Jim, had their own rodeo stock. They raised and took very good care of the stock, traveling through all of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and sometimes into Canada. Carroll always had a good rodeo story to tell.
In 1960, Carroll took the North Dakota Bareback Champion home. That same year, Carroll married Delores Rehberg on June 14th in Sidney, Mont. They made their home on the Johnston Ranch north of Watford City. Together they raised three children, Linda, Robert (Bob) and Jodi, until Delores’ death on Sept. 24, 1975. Carroll continued raising cattle until the time of his death. It was nothing to see him out early in the morning doing something, and on into the evening finishing the day’s work. We can still hear him say, “You’re burning daylight,” and the sun wasn’t up yet.
Carroll was a very generous and kind person. He would do anything to help a friend or family member. He especially looked forward to branding season when all the neighbors would come to help, and in return, he would go help them. Branding was his favorite time to spend time with family, neighbors, and friends. This was a time for pulling pranks on each other. Carroll always had the job of cutting the bull calves. One always had to be watching where he would put them, too.
Carroll made many miles hunting in “old Blue” looking for the monster buck and looking for firewood. Being a character, you never knew what to believe half the time. He would have a good story to tell each time you saw him. Carroll was not a dull person to be around; he’d keep you on your toes with all his stories. We will surely miss hearing them.
Carroll was a member of the Long X Wagon Train since 1969, the North Dakota Stockman’s Association, and the 50 Years in the Saddle Club. He enjoyed all aspects of life, working cattle, haying, horses, and all his small animals (dogs and cats). He loved spending time with his grandchildren, the light of his life. They will greatly miss him.
Carroll passed away in his home on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011.
Carroll is survived by his children; Linda (Lanny) Gabbert, Williston,  N.D., Robert (Marlai) Johnston, Watford City, and Jodi (Derek) McKinzie, Williston; best friend and working partner, Loretta Anderson; brothers, Jim (Elva Lou) Johnston, Grassy Butte, N.D., Ted (Janice) Johnston, Trenton, N.D., Duane (Phyllis) Ellingson, Anchorage, Alaska; sisters, Dolly Zingleman, Babe (Rob) Olson, Williston; and grandchildren, Layne, Lorin, Ben, Emma, and Ryan.
Carroll was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, parents, step-father, Elmer Ellingson, and Uncle Ben Johnston.

 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER