Johnny Leslie Hansen, 89, Berthold, died on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 in a Minot Nursing Home.

Johnny was born on August 26, 1918 in Berthold, North Dakota to Melvin and Ora (Arnold) Hansen. He was raised and educated in Berthold and graduated from Berthold High School in 1936. Following graduation he was employed in Berthold for a few months before moving to the west coast for two years.

He returned to North Dakota and entered the U.S. Army on March 27, 1941 and participated in the European Theatre of World War II including the Normandy Invasion prior to his honorable discharge on June 23, 1945. He was a proud recipient of a Purple Heart and other medals.

Johnny was united in marriage to Evelyn Buen on November 30, 1942 in Berthold. Following his discharge from the Army, they made their home in Berthold where he owned and operated the Berthold Mercantile until 1961. In 1961 he began employment with the Berthold Farmer's Elevator where he was an assistant manager until his retirement in 1982. After his retirement he continued to assist on his sons' farm near Berthold. Evelyn died on September 6, 2004.

Johnny was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Berthold where he served on the Church Council; American Legion; VFW; DAV; Battle of the Bulge Veterans Organization; Senior Citizens Center; former member of Berthold Lion's Club and Berthold Sportsman's Club; he also served on the Berthold City Council acting as the Justice of the Peace and held various other offices within the council. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren.

His loving family includes his children: Sherry (Ron) Flaten, Galesburg, ND; Joel (Lorna) Hansen, Berthold, Gary (Linda) Hansen, Ray, ND; six grandchildren: Brad (Dawn), Mike (Sue), and Randy Flaten; Kayla Hansen, Tonya and Kresta Hansen; seven great-grandchildren: Darci, Amber, Amy, and Tyler Flaten; Dayna, Heather, and Trenton Flaten; one great-great grandchild: Kaylee Austin and sisters: Valda Schwede and Daisy (Ken) Buen, both of Berthold.

Johnny was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Funeral service: Monday, August 4, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church, Berthold;
Interment: Wildrose Cemetery - Berthold;
Visitation: Sunday, August 3, 2008 from noon-5:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot;