Wendell Chester Johnson

Wendell Chester Johnson, 103, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at Bethany on University.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Korsmo Funeral Service in Moorhead, MN. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

Born on April 18, 1922, in Osnabrock, ND, to Hans C. and Olida C. (Ruud) Johnson, Wendell grew up in a close-knit community where he worked in his family’s general store. He graduated from high school in 1941 and then attended business college. After the onset of World War II, Wendell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. He served honorably in the Pacific in the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa and received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained on Okinawa.

Following the war, Wendell returned home and married Alice Rusten. Together, they would have five children. In 1953, they moved to Fargo, where Wendell operated the Oakland Market store until 1959, after which he purchased the Horace Mann Market. He also worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years, retiring in 1990.

On January 3, 1981, Wendell married Janet Sheldon, embracing a new chapter in his life and welcoming an extended family. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage.

Wendell’s deep Christian faith guided him throughout his life, inspiring others with his steadfast commitment. He had a passion for golf, often playing 18 holes, 6 days a week. He enjoyed participating in the Red River Senior Golf tour. As an active 100 year old golfer, he was recognized in a WDAY news feature in 2022 along with his friend Max Olson. A patriotic veteran, he actively supported various Veteran organizations. Wendell also enjoyed walking, often taking long strolls in shopping malls and at Fargo North during the winter months.

Wendell Johnson leaves behind a legacy of dedication to family, service, and community. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Johnson, West Fargo, ND; his two children, Steve (Linda) Johnson, Sedona, AZ, and Kathryn (William) Watson, Knoxville, TN; seven grandchildren, Christina (Jeff) Athy, Fargo, ND, Ryan (Kara) Powers, Wesley, AR, Rebekah (Jeff) Davenport, Cottonwood, AZ, Erin (Russell) Tucker, Mountain Home, AR, Jordan (Klesey) Powers, Mountain Home, AR, Elizabeth Langford, Sedona, AZ, and Sarah (Keith) Hammis, Camp Verde, AZ; 27 great-grandchildren; bonus family two children, Steven (Kim) Sheldon, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Monica (Kevin) Larson, Solway, MN; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Lynn Jacobs) Sheldon, Helena, MT, Sarah (Shane) Sand, Emerado, ND, Andrew (Krystal) Sheldon, Mapleton, ND, Erik (Jessie) Larson, West Fargo, ND, Emily (Bo) Balsdon, Langdon, ND, Brett (Kelsey) Larson, Grand Rapids, MN, Benjamin Larson, Bemidji, MN, Hannah Larson, Solway, MN; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Olida Johnson; three children, Garry Johnson (stillborn), A. Christine Fletcher, and Karen Powers; and eight siblings, Herbert Johnson, Ansell Johnson, Hilma Land, Mayme Cole, Hazel Hutchinson, Florence Korsmo, Wilbur Johnson, and Rueben Johnson.