Deane Johnson

    Deane Johnson, 74, Fargo, ND, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, in his home. 

    Deane Lee Johnson was born March 4, 1949, to Rueben and Wanda (Marcuson) Johnson in Britton, SD.  Deane’s father worked construction in South Dakota and North Dakota and managed a dairy farm in Minnesota, so he attended 7 or 8 different schools in three states.  He graduated from Britton High School in 1967.   He then attended NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND prior to enlisting in the Army in 1968.  He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Crew Chief and Door Gunner on a Huey helicopter with the 1st of the 9th Air Cavalry.   Among the many awards received were a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars with V Device for Valor.  After being honorably discharged, he attended SDSU in Brookings, SD, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.   He worked for the State of SD, Department of Social Services in Mitchell, Mission, Yankton and Pierre.  He then served as Pipestone County Welfare Director.   He returned to school and earned a master’s degree from Colorado Technical University. Following graduation, he finished his career at the Sioux Falls VA Regional Office.  This was probably his favorite job because he was helping fellow veterans.

    While Deane was passionate about his career, helping people, time served in the military and his family, he also had many hobbies.  Some of his hobbies included hunting, fishing, writing stories, gardening, making wine, playing chess and crocheting. When he decided to tackle a new hobby, he did it in full force.  Deane’s passion, love for all and his strongly voiced opinions will be greatly missed.

    Deane is survived by his wife Darlene, Fargo; son, Lance (Gretchen) of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Zoey and Wyatt; sisters, Debbie (Richard) Michels, Elgin, ND, and Judy Johnson, Denison, TX; brother, Wayne (Candie) Johnson, Detroit Lakes, MN; and brother-in-law, Vincent (Rita) Duck, Faith, SD and many nieces and nephews.

      Deane was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Deanna and a niece, Sherrie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Great Plains Food Bank, Disabled American Veterans, Parkinson’s Foundation, Lieber Institute for Brain Development and the Fargo Emergency Food Pantry.

Memorial Service:  Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND with visitation one hour prior to the service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deane Johnson, please visit our floral store.