Archie Johnson

Archie Johnson, 86 , passed away on August 24th, 2024 at his current home of Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, ND. 

Funeral services will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1004 E Highland Acres Rd, Bismarck on August 31st at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck on August 30th from 5:00 to 7:00, as well as at the church one hour prior to the service.

Archie Ray Johnson was born on May 6, 1938 in Bismarck to Erick “Arvid” and Myrna (Williams) Johnson. He was raised on the family farm east of Wilton, where he acquired a love for farming early on. He attended a one-room school just up the hill from the farm through the 8th grade. He then moved to Bismarck and lived with his grandparents to attend Bismarck High School. After graduating in 1956, Archie joined the US Air Force and served proudly for 6 years where he developed a love of photography and travel that could be seen throughout the rest of his years. His deployments included bases in southern California and Kaiserslautern, Germany. 

After completing his military service, Archie moved back to Bismarck. He married the love of his life, Alice, on July 13, 1963. His desire was to be a farmer. He took a job at Camp Bros. Sheet Metal upon his return to ND and worked there for over 40 years. He also farmed with his father while working full time. For 40+ years Archie juggled all of life with great success. A full-time job in Bismarck, farming near Wilton, raising 2 children, fishing, camping, hunting and devoting time and work to the church. He was a well-known figure in the region. It was nearly impossible for him to go anywhere and not bump into someone he knew and strike up a conversation. 

Archie’s family was everything to him. He was extremely proud of his children, Kathy and Dan. He set a good example for them to follow. He had 13 nieces and nephews, most of whom considered him to be their “favorite uncle.” He was a favorite of the neighborhood kids as well. Despite his grueling schedule and long hours, he always found time to play with kids. When grandchildren came into the picture, his joy was palpable every time he’d see them or talk to them. If he wasn’t seeing them, he was surely talking about them to others. In his final years he became a great-grandpa. The very mention of Lily would instantly light up his eyes and put a smile on his face. 

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, brother Eldo Johnson, son-in-law Scott Narum, brothers-in-law Deny Carlson, Doug Carlson, and LaRoy Baird, and his beloved wife Alice. Now, for the first time since early 2006 he is by the side of his true love and soul mate again. 

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Kathy Narum, son Dan (Sandy) Johnson, grandchildren Leanna Duppong (Eric Bohl), Nikki (Thomas) Helfrich, Erica (Lindsay) Robinson, great-granddaughters Lily Helfrich, Morgan and Sydney Robinson, sister-in-law Marilyn Johnson, sisters Mavis (Duane) Olsen and Marie (Ralph) Carter, sister-in-law Mary Baird, brother-in-law Robert Carlson (Paul Gehl), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Lutheran Church of the Cross, Elks Camp Grassick, or the charity of your choice.