Hurdis Hilder (Heilman) Johnson, 82, Minot and formerly of Glenburn died on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in a Minot nursing home.

Hurdis was born on July 10th, 1933 in Rolla, ND to Harry and Anna (Hermes) Heilman. She was reared and educated in various communities in North Dakota where her father taught school, graduated from Minot Model High School in 1951, and received her Standard Teaching Certificate from Minot State Teacher's College. As a young adult she was employed as a teacher in a rural school in Tatman Township of Ward County.

Hurdis married Melvin Johnson on June 22, 1952 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Minot. They made their home on a farm in Tatman Township of Ward County near Glenburn. They farmed in the Glenburn area for many years and were the proud parents of six children. Hurdis touched her children and many others with God's love throughout her life. After her children graduated from high school Hurdis became a teacher's aide and taught piano lessons for several years. Through these duties she became a "grandparent" to many children. Her piano still graces the music department at Glenburn High School.

Hurdis and Melvin retired from farming in 1984, but continued to reside in Glenburn until she moved to Trinity Homes in 2011. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at Trinity Homes.

Hurdis was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Glenburn. Her hobbies and special interests include music (piano and accordion), crocheting, gardening, woodburning, and the Minnesota Twins.

Hurdis' loving family includes her husband of almost 64 years Melvin; children: Cindy Savelkoul of Colorado Springs, CO, Pastor Tim (Sarah) Johnson of Velva and David (Nicolle) Johnson of Onalaska, WI; grandchildren: Joseph (Nao) Savelkoul of Colorado Springs, CO, Joshua Savelkoul of Rhode Island, Marshall (Kathy) Johnson, of Fargo, ND, MacArthur (Brooke) Johnson of Grand Forks, ND, Angela (Rusty) Heinze of Surrey, ND, Brock Savelkoul of Minot, ND, Nathan and Isaak Johnson of Velva, ND; great grandchildren: Devin and DeAnna Heinze, Asaiah, Isai, and Hanna Savelkoul, and Freya Johnson; sister; Gloria (Floyd) Murphy of Sacramento, CA; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Hurdis was preceded in death by her parents, children: Sharon Johnson, Mitch Johnson and Anna Marie Savelkoul, and sisters: Clara Kostelecky and Delphia "Dolly" Giochette.

Celebration of the Life of Hurdis Johnson: Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11:00 am in Trinity Lutheran Church Glenburn.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation: Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church - Glenburn.