1930
Herbert
2011
Herbert Lee Johnson
February 3, 1930 — October 25, 2011
Herbert Lee Johnson, 81, Moorhead, MN, died Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2011, in his home, after a long battle with emphysema.
He was born February 3, 1930, in Oak Park, IL, to Herbert F. and Ivy (Dahlberg) Johnson. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1948. He joined the Naval Reserves in 1947, and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. On August 28, 1951, Herb married Joyce Ledeboer. Together they had four children. Joyce passed away on September 18, 1994.
Herb graduated from US Air Force pilot training in June of 1955. This began what became a 28 year love affair with flying. He resumed his college studies and graduated from NDSU with a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1958. He worked in the aerospace industry for Hughes Aircraft Corp., Fullerton, CA, for 10 years while flying F-86's and F-102's with the California Air National Guard.
Upon returning to Moorhead in 1965, Herb accepted a position as a pilot and avionics officer with the North Dakota Air National Guard. He flew with the "Happy Hooligans" for 18 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retirement from the Guard, he accepted a position at Lockheed Space and Missile Corp. in California. He worked there for five years until his retirement.
Herb married Mary (Thom) Racek on February 10, 1996. They enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Orange Beach, AL.
Herb is survived by his wife, Mary, Moorhead; son, Michael (Nancy) Johnson, Watertown, SD; daughter, Kris (Orlen Jr.) Valan, Moorhead; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Dick (Sandra) Johnson, Seattle, WA, and Dan (Sally) Johnson, Boise, ID. Herb holds a special place in the hearts of Mary's children, Frank (Peg) Racek, Mary Beth (Jim) Payne, Karen Racek, Lori (Randy) Griffith, Carol (Tom) Tepley; and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Joyce; and sons, Daniel and Charles "Chuck" Johnson.
Visitation: Friday, 5 PM to 7 PM, with prayer service at 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
Funeral: Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at 11 AM, Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead.
Burial: Moorhead Memorial Gardens, Moorhead.
He was born February 3, 1930, in Oak Park, IL, to Herbert F. and Ivy (Dahlberg) Johnson. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1948. He joined the Naval Reserves in 1947, and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. On August 28, 1951, Herb married Joyce Ledeboer. Together they had four children. Joyce passed away on September 18, 1994.
Herb graduated from US Air Force pilot training in June of 1955. This began what became a 28 year love affair with flying. He resumed his college studies and graduated from NDSU with a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1958. He worked in the aerospace industry for Hughes Aircraft Corp., Fullerton, CA, for 10 years while flying F-86's and F-102's with the California Air National Guard.
Upon returning to Moorhead in 1965, Herb accepted a position as a pilot and avionics officer with the North Dakota Air National Guard. He flew with the "Happy Hooligans" for 18 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retirement from the Guard, he accepted a position at Lockheed Space and Missile Corp. in California. He worked there for five years until his retirement.
Herb married Mary (Thom) Racek on February 10, 1996. They enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Orange Beach, AL.
Herb is survived by his wife, Mary, Moorhead; son, Michael (Nancy) Johnson, Watertown, SD; daughter, Kris (Orlen Jr.) Valan, Moorhead; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Dick (Sandra) Johnson, Seattle, WA, and Dan (Sally) Johnson, Boise, ID. Herb holds a special place in the hearts of Mary's children, Frank (Peg) Racek, Mary Beth (Jim) Payne, Karen Racek, Lori (Randy) Griffith, Carol (Tom) Tepley; and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Joyce; and sons, Daniel and Charles "Chuck" Johnson.
Visitation: Friday, 5 PM to 7 PM, with prayer service at 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
Funeral: Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at 11 AM, Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead.
Burial: Moorhead Memorial Gardens, Moorhead.
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