Merle W. Johnson

Merle W. Johnson, 89, of Moorhead, MN, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Merle Wilfred Johnson was born on September 15, 1934, the son of Morris and Evelyn (Jensen) Johnson, in Ryder, ND.  He moved with his family to Fergus Falls, MN, in 1939, where he attended primary and secondary schools, graduating from Washington High School in 1952.   Upon graduation, Merle enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he spent the last two years of his service aboard the Carrier USS Monterey (CVL 26). While in training in Norman, OK, on January 24, 1953, Merle was united in marriage to Marlene Tostenson, a marriage that would last 63 years.  To this union four children, four grandchildren and six-great-grandchildren were born.  

After his discharge in September of 1955, Merle was employed by the National Tea Packing Company in Fergus Falls.  In 1958, he initiated his college education, attaining an AA degree at Wahpeton State School of Science (1960), and his Bachelor of Science (1961) and his master’s degree (1972) from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.  Merle began his teaching career at Dilworth (MN) High School from 1961 to 1964, and then continued at Moorhead Senior High School until his retirement in 1993. 

Merle enjoyed writing, hunting, fishing, golf, and puzzles.  He loved his family and his many cats. 

He is survived by his sons, Scot (Clydeen) Johnson, Queens Creek, AZ, and Ronald Johnson, Underwood, MN; daughters, Sheri (Frank) Welch, Kentwood, MI, and Joni (Kyle) Anderson, Moorhead; grandchildren, Robyn (Justin) Enz, Kayla Welch, Kye (Heidi) Anderson and Jenna (Brett) Fason; his six precious great-grandchildren who lovingly called him “Big Papa”, Scarlett, Stella, Noah, Graham, Saylor and Capri; sisters, Phyllis Bombardier, Fergus Falls, MN and Mila (Jodi) Bronk, Mesquite, NV; and his best friend his beloved cat, Snickers. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene; brother, Vernon; and sister, Joyce Barnes.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Merle will begin at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, followed by a Celebration of His Life beginning at 2:00 PM, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead.

The burial will take place in Tordenskjold Lutheran Cemetery, rural Underwood, MN. 

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)