Milton Johnson
Milton Johnson, 89, of Killdeer, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, surrounded by his family.
Milton was born December 3, 1927, to Jerome Randolph and Ruth Agnes (Fisher) Johnson. He grew up on the family ranch west of Killdeer and attended country school as well as school in Killdeer. In his 8th grade year, his dad broke his leg and Milton left school to help run the ranch. He later met Betty Lou Lanphear and they were married on December 26, 1952, at Grassy Butte, N.D. After working at several McKenzie County ranches; including the Figure Four (Kennedy Ranch) and the Creighton Ranch, they moved to Grassy Butte to take over the Lanphear homestead. In 1974, they moved to the Lazy Tee Jay Ranch, west of Killdeer, and ran both ranches. Betty Lou and Milton were once named McKenzie County Family of the Year. In 2010, Betty Lou and Milton were Grand Marshalls of the Killdeer 4th of July Parade.
Milton enjoyed riding a fast stepping horse, helping his neighbors, hunting, snowmobiling, and watching westerns, rodeos, and the PBR. He took great pride in teaching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to ride and respect horses. He was happy to help many youth from the area shoot a deer or train a horse and then invited them in for a good meal! Milton always enjoyed sharing a sip of schnapps with his friends and family or a cup of coffee and a caramel roll with neighbors. He will be remembered for his horsemanship, smile, kindness, generosity, storytelling abilities, great sense of humor and subtle wink. He was the world’s best husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, friend and neighbor.
Milton is survived by his children, Fayleen (Tim) Fischer and Nanette (Todd) Edmondson of Killdeer; Verna (Ken) Kadrmas of Bismarck; Al (Wendy) Luckow of Thompson Falls, Mont.; Jeff (Erin) Anderson of Stillwater, Minn.; 13 grandchildren, Kristle, Lacy, Dani (Brian), Justin (Sylvannah), Britney (Tyler), Paige, Megan, Luke (Krystle), Shannon (Kolie), Brant (Jacquelyn), Jared, Travis, Jolie and Aiden; 16 great-grandchildren, Ty, Mya, Lily, Jace, Finley, Brekyn, Truett, JW, Emery, Maverik, Breyton, Tenley, Tyson, Zander, Owen, Kimberlynn, Jazy and Izy; and sister, Dorothy Foell; brother in law, Bob Olson; sisters in law, Betty Johnson and Idella Johnson; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lou; parents, Jerome and Ruth; daughter, Milody; sister, Blanche Bang; and brothers, Duane and Clayton Johnson.
Visitation for Milton was held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, Feb. 13 at High Plains Cultural Center in Killdeer, with a rosary & vigil service held at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral mass for Milton Johnson, 89, of Killdeer, was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Killdeer with Father Darnis Selvanayakam celebrating. Burial took place in the Grassy Butte Cemetery.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.