Erling R. Johnson

Erling Johnson, age 86, passed away at his home in Fargo, ND, on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.  

Erling was born in 1937, the son of Alfred and Carmelete Johnson, on the family farm in rural Perley, MN.  He was raised there, attending Riverside Country School, and graduating from Campus High School at Moorhead State University in 1955.  Erling received his undergraduate degree from Moorhead State University, and a Masters Degree in Education from North Dakota State University.

Following college graduation, Erling was an elementary school teacher in the Moorhead, MN public schools. He was later employed as a vocational guidance counselor in the Washburn, ND area public schools.  During his years as an educator, Erling received Teacher of the Year and Guidance Counselor of the Year awards.  He later provided vocational assessment and guidance services in the Twin Cities area. 

Erling was also a veteran, serving for 26 years in the North Dakota Air National Guard. He retired as a Master Sergeant with the 119th Fighter Group.  He was also a member of First Lutheran Church, Fargo.

Erling is survived by his nieces and nephew, and their families, who remember him as a favorite uncle, and for the lively good cheer he brought to his family and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Elna Johnson Bolstad and Shirley Johnson.

At Erling’s request, no funeral services will be held.  Interment will be private at the Bethania Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Perley.