Merle Johnson

Merle Percy Johnson was born on January 27, 1929, the son of Gifford and Myrtle (Jacobson) Johnson in Wahpeton, ND. His first years of growing up were on farms in the Galchutt and Dwight, ND area until his family moved to Dwight. He moved with his family to Wahpeton shortly after starting first grade in Dwight and has been a Wahpeton resident since. He was baptized at Faith Lutheran Church in Dwight and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church of Wahpeton where he and his wife were still members.

He enlisted in the US Navy at the end of his junior year but did graduate with his class from Wahpeton High School in 1947. Upon his discharge, he returned to Wahpeton and took employment with Agnew Chevrolet in the "On-the-job" training program. After a short time, he switched to Sturdevant's Auto Electric doing bench work. He later became a counterman in their parts department. He helped set up their parts inventory on a perpetual inventory card system and started doing the parts ordering. He eventually became Sturdevant's outside salesman for the Minnesota sales route.

In 1954, he started employment at the Wahpeton Post Office, going through the ranks as a substitute clerk/carrier- a regular clerk- and was the Superintendent of Postal Operations (formerly Assistant Postmaster) when he retired from the US Postal Service in 1984.

Merle was united in marriage to Betty Wateland on May 24, 1950. This marriage was blessed with three children, Cynthia, Scott, and a son, Timothy, who died in infancy. He was a dedicated husband and father who dearly loved his family and was so proud of them all. He enjoyed their many endeavors and projects. He was active in scouting as a youngster and reached the rank of "Life Scout". He needed the swimming and lifesaving merit badges to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Later in life he remained active in scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

He was very active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce until retiring as an "Exhausted Rooster". He was a past member of the Elks, the Sons of Norway, and a Lifetime Member of the VFW. He was a past president of the Bois de Sioux Golf Club of Wahpeton.

Merle was a multi-talented "do it yourselfer" who enjoyed the challenge of problem solving and rarely met a problem he couldn't solve. He enjoyed working with computers, cooking and golfing. He was self reliant and believed you had to work for what you wanted and will be remembered for his simple and logical manner. He was open-minded and sociable, but was also direct and well-respected. He left a warm impression on those he met with his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He had a feeling of warmth and appreciation of his many good friends and was always available and willing to help those in need.

In his life, Merle touched many lives by his inspirational presence, kindness, manner, and sincerity. Lives are better for knowing him and the world is a better place for having him. He was a friend to all who knew him and his laid back style will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; a daughter, Cindy Korstad, Fargo, ND; a daughter-in-law, Lucinda Johnson, Wahpeton, ND; his grandson, Blake Johnson; his granddaughter, Alecia Johnson; his great-granddaughters, Jazzlyn and Emmy Hasbargen; and a sister-in-law, Esperanza Johnson, San Diego, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons, Timothy and Scott, his brothers, Howard and Roger.