Vernon Johnson, 85, Plaza, died Thursday, July 20, 2017, in a Velva nursing home.

Lyle Vernon Johnson was born January 5, 1932, to George A. and Alma (Loken) Johnson on the family farm located in Osloe Township of Mountrail County, near Plaza, ND. Lyle also attended school in Olsoe Township. Lyle started working on the family farm at an early age.

Lyle was united in marriage to Ardith Torgrimson-Helseth on September 25, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church near Minot. They lived on their farm located north of Plaza where they grew small grains and ranched throughout the years. He retired from farming in the late 1980s.

Lyle was a member of First Lutheran Church, Plaza and Trinity Lutheran Church, Plaza.

Lyle was a man of the land, a true farmer and rancher. He enjoyed traveling with his family to Seattle, Missouri, Medora, and especially the trip to Las Vegas with Kim. He also loved watching wildlife, which were plentiful on the farm, and really enjoyed getting out to mow the yard in his later years. His generosity and sense of humor will be missed by all who shared in his life.

The family would like to express their appreciation to those who visited, sent words of encouragement and comfort, and called to show their love and support during Lyle's time in the nursing home, specifically Laureen O'Neill.

His surviving family includes his loving wife of 61 years, Ardith, Plaza, ND; children, Joanne Kleven, Williston, ND, Ferlin (LaRae) Johnson, Palermo, ND, Kim (Jani) Johnson, Williston, ND and Lisa Johnson, Minot, ND; grandchildren, Wesley (Aly) Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Candice (Harley Wyldekat) Johnson, Kimberli (Adrian) Ervin, and honorary grandson Costas Kok; great-grandchildren, Ashton Johnson, Ace and Kelsey Johnson, Kinley Johnson and Olivia Wyldekat, and Aniyah, Isaiah, and Elijah Ervin along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Lyle was preceded death by his parents, his beloved granddaughter, Kelsey Johnson, and brother Frances Johnson.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Plaza, ND

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND

Visitation: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.