Madonna Johnston , 88, Minot and formerly of Columbus, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023 in a Minot care center.

Madonna Hannah was born on November 10, 1934 in Bowbells, ND to John & Ruth (Bunting) Nygaard. She was raised and educated in Columbus and graduated from Columbus High School in 1952.

Madonna married John E. Johnston on November 9, 1952 in Columbus. They made their home on the Johnston family farm where they raised small grains and sheep. In addition to assisting with the farm, Madonna was employed at a local café and Columbus High School as a cook. In 1985, they retired from farming and spent several winters in Seattle, Washington. They moved to Minot in 1993. John died in 2012. Madonna continued to reside in Minot at Somerset Court for the past fourteen years.

While living in Columbus, Madonna was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aide. She was also a member of a local homemakers group and the Columbus Improvement League. She especially enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, playing cards, reading, and traveling.

Madonna is survived by her children: Cynthia Rae, Minot; J. Craig Johnston, Columbus; and Jeffrey (Lisa) Johnston, Columbus; grandchildren: Nathan Dosch, Steven (Tiffany) Degenstein, Theresa (James) Voigt, Josh Johnston, and Travis (Payton) Johnston; greatgrandchildren: Kasen, Hailey, Hannah, Walker, and Lily; siblings: Ramona (Ardell) Oas, Minot and Sherrald (Arlan) Kostek, Bismarck; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Memorial Service: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Somerset Court Chapel, Minot.
Graveside Service: Wednesday July 26, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in Short Creek Cemetery, rural Columbus.
Memorials are preferred to the Short Creek Cemetery, Trinity Lutheran Church, both of Columbus, or to an organization of the donor's choice.