John Elvin Johnston, 85, Minot and formerly of Columbus died on Thursday, November 22, 2012 in Manor Care Health Services.

John was born on February 9, 1927 in Portal ND to John and Susan (Dewing) Johnston. He was reared on the family farm in Short Creek Township of Burke County near Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1945. As a young adult he assisted his family with the operation of the farm.

John married Madonna Nygaard on November 9, 1952 in Columbus. They made their home on the Johnston family farm and after retiring he farmed with his son from 1985 until 2008.

John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was active on the church council. He assisted in the construction of the Columbus Golf Course and Short Creek Dam and was a member of the Columbus Ambulance team and Eagles Aerie in Minot. He especially enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, woodworking, painting and piloting his Cessna single engine plane.

John's loving family includes his wife of 60 years Madonna; children: Cynthia Rae of Harvey, J. Craig Johnston of Columbus and Jeffrey (Lisa) Johnston of Minot; five grandchildren: Nathan, Steven, Theresa, Josh and Travis, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Evelyn Johnston and brothers: Chester, Leslie and Kenneth.

Memorial Service: Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Somerset Court Assisted Living Facility, Minot.
Graveside Service: Friday, November 30, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Short Creek Cemetery, rural Columbus.
Book signing: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to the Short Creek Cemetery perpetual care fund or to an organization of the donor's choice.