Maurice “Mitch” Avery Johnson, 85, of Jamestown, ND passed away Friday, December 11, 2020 at his home surrounded by family following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s.
He was born November 26, 1935 to Avery and Bertha Johnson and grew up on their farm in Urbana, ND. He attended primary school at the small Urbana schoolhouse which still stands to this day. In high school, Mitch was valedictorian of his class and met many lifelong friends.
As the eldest son, his call to the family farming business prevented him from attending college; however, he was a self-taught tradesman, and he went on to become a successful electrician later in life. Mitch had a passion and longing for education, which led him to obtain his Master Electrician Certification. He used his certification to start his own business, Midwest Electric, in the Jamestown area.
On June 2, 1958, Mitch married the love of his life, Helen “Dolly” Miemietz. Their marriage and devotion to one another was a real-life love story. Mitch and Helen settled down in a house on the Johnson family farm where they began their family. Mitch’s greatest accomplishment and his pride-and-joy was being a father to his six children, grandpa to his nine grandchildren, and great-grandpa to his seven great-grandchildren.
Mitch lived a full life and profoundly touched everyone who knew him. Even as his physical health deteriorated, Mitch maintained the same astute mind, keen wit, and sense of humor that always made him so immensely endearing. His humble nature and compassionate heart shaped how he lived as a husband, father, and friend. His hearty laugh brought smiles to everyone around him. His children often shared that “if they needed to find their Dad in a crowd, they just listened for his laugh.”
Mitch was very civic minded and loved his country as was evidenced by the pride he had in his National Guard service. As longtime members of St. James Basilica in Jamestown, Mitch and Helen were devout Catholics and treasured their weekly visits with the priest. Mitch loved nature and thrived in the wonders that it bestowed. In the springtime, he would plant the upcoming season’s tomato seedlings. He spent his summers gardening, fishing, and tending to his orchard. His falls were spent hunting ducks out at the farm. On winter afternoons, Mitch could be found ice fishing with family and friends.
Mitch will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Helen Johnson (Jamestown, ND); children Laurel “Lori” Anderson (Jamestown, ND), Patsy (Randy) Kramer (Buchanan, ND), Owen (Nancy) Johnson (Barneveld, WI), and Helen LaRae (Jim) Gavic (Madison, WI), Andy Anderson (Jamestown, ND), and Mary Johnson (Fargo, ND); his siblings Stan (Susan) Johnson (Fargo, ND) and Linda Johnson (Jamestown, ND); his grandchildren Jamie Anderson, Jason (Kristi) Anderson, Jessica (Matt) Tews, Tyson (Missy) Kramer, Sarah Kramer, Kassity (Jake) Senf, Whitney (John) Healy, Emily Gavic, Hanna (Jacob) Weber; his nephews Matt , Mike and David Johnson along with numerous other loving relatives. He was preceded in death by his sons Jonathan Paul (infant) and Maurice “Maury” Johnson; his grandson Jarvis (Sarah) Kramer; and his parents, Avery and Bertha Johnson.
A burial service will be held for Mitch at 2:00PM Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Calvary cemetery in Jamestown, ND. The public is welcome. The family asks that attendees respect current social distancing recommendations.
The family is planning to host a Celebration of Life gathering this coming summer when social gatherings are more appropriate to honor his life and the lasting mark that Mitch made on the lives of so many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice – Red River Valley, 1701 38th St. S., #101, Fargo, ND 58103.
Graveside Service: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.
Williams Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.