Daniel Johnson, 72, died on Monday, May 30, 2005 at his home in rural Thief River Falls, MN.

Daniel Ray Johnson was born on May 25, 1933 to Bert and Josephine (Lendobeja) Johnson in Thief River Falls, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church. He attended country school and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota Crookston in 1951. The next year, he spent at Area Vocational School in Thief River Falls studying auto mechanics. After he graduated in 1952, he took off to Milwaukee to work for Bycrus Erie. While in Milwaukee, he worked to supply his street racing habits and spent much of his time at drive-ins. He returned to his parents family farm in Kratka Township after his dad was injured in a framing accident. The winter of 1956, he packed a suitcase and headed off to Southern California in his 54 Ford. He returned to farming the following spring. In the early sixties he owned the St. Hilarie Supply Company and continued farming with his dad. On September 18, 1971 he was united in marriage to Kathleen Hanson. Danny said, What really changed me was to marry a lady with three daughters and then having two more. Five girls, all different! They made their home next to the Kratka bridge. He retired from farming in 1990. Danny also sold cars through the years at Westside Motors. He served on the Pennington County Soil and Water Conservation District from 1978 to the present. Danny always enjoyed racing and going fast; whether it be cars, snowmobiles or boats. He spent the majority of his time fixing and tinkering. The garage should be bigger than the house because cars take up more space than people, he would say. He was active in several organizations including, NFO, Goodridge Fire Department, Pioneer Village, Al-Anon, Beginning Experience, Single Friends and Street Wizards. He was very outspoken in things that he believed in and took pride in helping others. He enjoyed going to community events, auction sales and traveling the road less traveled. He was a non traditional student, who had a passion to learn. For the last 12 years he took classes at Northland Community and Technical College, including auto body, politics, history, creative writing, and philosophy. Danny spent his time doing the things that brought him joy. Danny said, We are here to live as long as we are alive. He was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church.

Daniel is survived by 5 children: Starr (Jim) Crowley, Palmer, TN; Rose Carpenter, Goodridge, MN; Bonita (Tim) Wayne, Fargo, ND; April (Tom) Ballard, Baudette, MN; Mandi (special friend Tucker Hibbert) Johnson, Goodridge, MN; the mother of his girls, Kathy Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN; sister of his girls: Sheryl (Dennis) Benz, Mount Iron, MN; 10 grandchildren: Amber, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Cody, Miranda, Tyler, Brandon, Victor, Samantha, Elaina, 1 great grandson Mason; 3 brothers: Gary Johnson, Goodridge, MN; Robert Johnson, Braham, MN; Richard (Mitzi) Johnson, Burleson, TX; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents.