Doyle Kevin Johnson, 63, of Fargo, ND formerly Twin Valley, MN passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at home with his significant other, Judy Normann, by his side. Doyle was under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley since May 15, 2020.
Doyle was born on November 28, 1956 in Ada, MN to Burnett and Marilyn (Ellefson) Johnson. Doyle was baptized at the Syre Lutheran Church, Syre, MN and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, MN. He grew up on the family farm helping milk cows and tend pigs alongside his brothers. Loving the outdoors, he spent many years working for area farmers. Doyle proudly studied for and passed his CDL exam on his first attempt. He also was employed for a time at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN and at the Syre Fertilizer Plant in Syre. He worked for two campaign seasons at the Ada Beet Piler where he was very knowledgeable in safety procedures. Doyle worked more recently as a caretaker at the Johnson Apartments in Twin Valley and loved serving as custodian for both Zion Lutheran Church, the cemetery and he also worked as a custodian for the City of Twin Valley.
Doyle was united in marriage to Judy Normann (Fargo, originally from Wahpeton, ND) on September 18,1993 at Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. After many years together the couple divorced, but on February 14, 2017, they rekindled their relationship and made their home together in Fargo, ND on May 2, 2018.
Doyle overcame many challenges throughout his life and fought a good fight against both his two strokes in 2018 and in November 2019 when he was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer. After a courageous battle, he passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 31, 2020.
Doyle had a heart of gold and was always willing to help others. He cherished the simple life of the old days. As a young man, Doyle was trained in knife sharpening and it was a hobby of his for many years. Doyle loved historical farming, attending the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN and the Big Iron Expo in Fargo. He was especially fond of Allis Chalmers machinery. He was a farmer at heart and enjoyed driving around looking at the fields. Doyle also liked going to auctions and helping his community through the Twin Valley Lions Club. He made many wonderful memories traveling, camping, and watching the musicals at Medora, ND.
Doyle is survived by his significant other, Judy Normann, Fargo, ND; his mother, Marilyn Johnson, Twin Valley, MN; two brothers, Dan (Cindy) Johnson, Twin Valley; Kerry Johnson (Tammy), West Fargo, ND; one uncle, Lowell (Orrine) Ellefson, Twin Valley; two aunts, Marguerite Johnson, Moorhead, MN and Grace (Chuck) Dvorak of Yelm, WA; two nephews, Chase and Cody Johnson, Fargo; as well as several cousins.
Doyle was preceded in death by his father, Burnett Johnson; his grandparents: Albert and Emma Johnson and Martin and Nettie Ellefson; and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be held at Syre Lutheran Cemetery, at a later date.
Social distancing will be observed, and masks must be worn. Due to Covid-19 safety issues, lunch will not be served.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to either the Syre Cemetery Association or the Zion Lutheran Church Stained Glass Window Restoration Fund are welcome.
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