January 12, 2011

Alvin Johnsrud

Alvin W. Johnsrud, 76, of Watford City, N.D., passed away Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, at Maple View Nursing Home in Bismarck.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, with Pastor Chris Montgomery and Pastor Alton Hillesland officiating. Casketbearers were his grandchildren: Ryan Johnsrud, Rory Johnsrud, Garrett Johnsrud, Justin Johnsrud, Bret Johnsrud, Erica Perryn, Sarah Gress, Cody Gress, Sean Jones, and Kathryn Jones. Interment took place in the Schafer Cemetery. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Alvin was born July 31, 1934, in Watford City, to Andrew and Louise (Wehrung) Johnsrud, the third of five sons born to them. Alvin was confirmed in the Lutheran faith and graduated from Watford City High School in 1952.
Alvin married Cecelia Johnson on Feb. 27, 1954, at Watford City. They moved to the Mule Shoe Ranch southeast of Watford City after their marriage, where they farmed and ranched. To this union, three children were born: Jeff, Jim, and Ruth.
Alvin drove truck for Eklund Brothers for a time, did custom butchering, and also worked at Williston Packing Company as a butcher. In 1969, Alvin and Omar Wold bought the Watford City Sales Ring, consigning and contract-buying livestock in the area, and continued until the mid 80s.
His wife, Cecelia, passed away in May of 1990.  Alvin married Dyanne Rolfstad Barkie in November 1992, in Watford City. They continued the farming and ranching operation until 1999, when Alvin retired. They continued to live on the farm until August of 2010, when ill health took Alvin to Bismarck and Maple View.
Alvin loved the farm and everything about it. He loved horses and cattle. Alvin played amateur baseball in Watford City as a young man, and softball in the later years. He loved hunting and fishing with family and friends, and was an avid reader. Alvin also was an awesome cook. Everyone enjoyed his fish fries.
Alvin was a member of the First Lutheran Church, the Odd Fellows, the Eagles Club, and Pinochle Club.
Alvin is survived by: his wife, Dyanne Johnsrud, Watford City, his sons, Jeff (Ann) Johnsrud and Jim (Vonnie) Johnsrud, all of Watford City; his daughter, Ruth (Mark) Gress, Dickinson, N.D.; step-daughter, Kari (Tom) Jones, Billings, Mont.; brothers, David (Shirley) Johnsrud, Soldotna, Ala., and Don (Jeanette) Johnsrud, Kalispell, Mont.; eight grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Louise Johnsrud; his first wife, Cecelia; two brothers, Arden and Orville; and grandson, Cole Gress.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER