Richard E. Johnson

Richard E. Johnson, 79, of Walhalla, ND passed away Friday, March 11, 2016 at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, ND.

Richard was born October 31, 1936 in Cavalier County to Joseph and Gladys (Swenson) Johnson. He grew up in the Pembina Gorge area of Cavalier County. Following his graduation from Langdon High School, he farmed in Ramsey County where he met his future wife, Judith. After attending North Dakota State University for two years he then continued and graduated from Mayville State College with his Bachelor of Science Degree. He taught school in Lancaster, MN for two years and then in the Grand Forks School District for 11 years. While teaching in Grand Forks, he received his Master’s Degree from the University of North Dakota and also, during that time, started to establish Frost Fire Ski and Summer Resort near Walhalla in the Pembina River Gorge. In December of 1976, Richard and Judith opened the ski area which continues in its 41st year of skiing and live theatre events.

On August 20, 1961, Richard married Judith E. Landsem at St. Han’s Church near Edmore, ND. He is survived by his wife, Judith; one son, Jay Richard (Delane) Johnson of Langdon, ND; grandsons: Joshua, Christian, and Jens Johnson; siblings: Lorraine Hell of Seattle, WA, Lee Johnson of Green Valley, AZ, and Larry Johnson of Walhalla, ND; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Brooks Funeral Home, Langdon, ND. Visitation will be held for one hour before the time of services. Everyone is invited for a time of sharing and refreshments at the Frost Fire Ski and Summer Resort on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Burial will be held Thursday, March 17th at the St. Han’s Cemetery, Edmore, ND.