Duane Lee Johnson

Duane L. Johnson, 85, peacefully passed away in the loving care of his girls at his side after a short, courageous battle with cancer on December 13th, 2018, in Mandan, ND. Services will be held 10:00 AM CST, Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Beulah, with Pastor Mary Lou Aune officiating.  Burial will follow at the Beulah City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah.

Duane was born April 24, 1933, in Glendive, Montana to Ted and Myrtle (Vorhies) Johnson. He was raised and educated in Glendive where he worked on his father’s farm as a young man. He served in the United States Air Force from 1953–1957. He married his wife ‘Bun’ (LaVaun) on October 15, 1954, and they made their home in Beulah, North Dakota where he worked at Montana Dakota Utilities for 37 years.

Duane was a rock hound. He created jewelry, and lamps from the agates he found.  He loved wood working, fishing, hunting, gardening, and hosting family gatherings. His family and friends were the center of his life. He treasured his lake home where many of his friendships were built.  

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy Johnson and Nate Corbin & Lori McMurtrey and Kevin Smith, all of Mandan; five grandchildren, Brant and Evonne Skalsky of St. Paul, MN, Corey Skalsky of Mandan; Lacey and Andy Nagel of Bismarck; Tyler McMurtrey of Bismarck, and Courtney McMurtrey of Mandan; eight great-grandchildren, Lilly, Owen, Paisley, and Sophie Nagel, Kingston Skalsky, Adi, Brody, and Croix Skalsky;  one sister, Joanne Smith and Don of Glendive, MT; one brother-in-law, Jack Thielman, Beulah; one sister-in-law, Janet Thielman, Mandan.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVaun; one daughter, Patricia Kay; one son-in-law, Bill McMurtrey; one great-grandson, Cade McMurtrey-Boehm; and one sister-in-law, Donna Thielman.

Arrangements conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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