J. Ellard Johnson

J. Ellard Johnson, 94, of rural Underwood, died, Saturday, July 6, 2024, at his residence under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

John Ellard Johnson was born August 21, 1929, to Elmer and Rose (Norgren) Johnson in Elizabeth Township. He started country school at District #115 in Friberg Township and then attended District #247 till 8th grade after moving to rural Aurdal Township.

He began herding sheep at the young age of six. At the age of 13 his father took a job in the San Francisco area to better support the family. With his dad not around to farm the family farm in Aurdal Township Ellard took on the responsibility and duties of supporting the family. Throughout his younger years he did various farm labor jobs which included milking cows, pitching hay, threshing, and mixing cement.

On October 2, 1954, Ellard married LaVonne Rose at Sverdrup Lutheran Church. They made their home in Underwood for a short time, before moving to Eagle Lake Township by Ashby, where they devoted their time to dairy farming and raising their family. In 1960, they moved to their permanent home in Aurdal Township on Fish Lake, rural Underwood. He was an excellent grain farmer and was the first to introduce the Limousin Beef Cattle breed to the area which he was proud of.

In later years Ellard sold produce out of his house and to local places including Lake County Gardens and Larry's grocery stores. That is how he got the nickname of "Onion Man". He played cribbage, hand and foot daily and UNO was a favorite with the grandkids. He enjoyed playing pinnacle with the neighbors and going to the many yearly pinnacle tournaments in the surrounding states. He couldn't wait for winter to groom the snowmobile trails and ice fish with Steve Rud on local fishing holes. Sundays were saved for old time dancing in Barnesville.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, LaVonne; sons, Daryl Dean Johnson and David Paul Johnson; sisters, Alice Skramstad and Dorothy Zuehlsdorff; and brother, Elias Johnson

Survivors include his daughter, Diane Mae (Ross) Bjorkman of Underwood and their daughter, Carissa (David) Bosch and grandchildren, Garrick and Callum Bosch, their son, Bryce (Kassie) Bjorkman and grandchildren, Bailey and Khloey; his daughter, DaNell Rose (Doug) Jamieson of Wilson, WI and their children Audrey and John Jamieson and Corbin (Krystal) Jamieson and grandchildren, Owen, Maddon and Akya Jamieson; his son, Delain Scott (Jill) Johnson of Edmonds, WA and their children Ella and Luke Johnson; Daryl's daughter, Jamie (Sean Dormanen) Johnson and grandchildren, Abbott, Legend and Briggs Schweigert; David's daughter, Jessica (Josh) Bernard and grandchildren, Madison and Mason Bernard and daughter, Jade Flauterly.

Visitation: 12:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church, rural Underwood.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Messiah Lutheran Church, rural Underwood.

Clergy: Reverend Michael Natale

Interment: Messiah Cemetery, rural Underwood

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com

Please click on the link below to view Ellard’s Service on Messiah Lutheran Church’s Facebook page

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