Watch Daryl's Funeral service here

Daryl Johnson, age 89, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Mahnomen Health Center.

Daryl DuWayne, the son of Lawrence and Myrtle (Nelson) Johnson, was born in Benson, MN, at his maternal grandmother's home on May 28, 1933.  He grew up on the family farm, helping daily with all of the chores. He attended District 38 country school and later Benson High School.  Following graduation, Daryl began working in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, until he was drafted into the United States Army. On February 15, 1955, Daryl was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Laurel Buckner. The couple moved often during his time in the service and after his honorable discharge in 1956, they returned to Benson.  As their family grew, they decided to move to the Minneapolis area where Daryl worked with both Anchor Block and Keelor Steel Company. He missed farming, so in 1963, Daryl and Laurel relocated their growing family back to Benson and farmed for five years. In 1969, a farming opportunity in rural Mahnomen, MN, presented itself and they set out on a new adventure moving North. They purchased their own farmland and, over the years, raised hogs, cattle, chickens, and small grains until retirement. After selling the farm in 2007, Daryl and Laurel moved to Twin Valley, MN.  Due to failing health, Daryl has made his home in the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home since the fall of 2020.

Daryl was truly a character who loved to make others smile. He liked to tease, play games, and tell stories. He had an active imagination and told the best stories to his grandchildren.  He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen and enjoyed participating in the annual 4-H events. Daryl treasured precious family time, taking his family to the outdoor movie theater, traveling, fishing, and camping. He liked playing ping pong, pinocle and other card games with family and friends. He truly loved farming and the family always had a large garden.  With an overabundance of produce each season, Daryl was generous in sharing his harvest with others, which usually led to a good visit with his friends and neighbors. Following his adventurous spirit, Daryl liked to go for drives around the county and always took a new route to and from.  In his later years, he watched many western movies and enjoyed county music.

Daryl is survived by his wife of 68 years, Laurel of Twin Valley; five children: Cherie (Mark) Hagy of Gary; Darla (Joel) Aagenes of Moorhead, MN, Linette (Tim) Cook of Eagle River, AK; Judy (Gary) Kalinoski of Gary, and Laurence "Larry" Johnson of Twin Valley; a son-in-law, Larry "Jr" Ose; 10 grandchildren: Adam (Shannon) Ose, Lindsay (Steven) Varty, Scott (Diana Sorenson) Hagy, Lisa (Ross) Evenson, Hannah (Brian) Hellevang; Dustin (Amanda Bosman) Kalinoski, Gina (Cory) Ystenes, Allison (Steven Tabor) Weinzirl, Evan (Danielle Essary) Weinzirl; and Gretchen (Dillan Owen) Weinzirl; 10 great grandchildren; one sister, Pamela Torgerson; brother, Marlow Johnson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Don Dingwell, Ramona Randgaard, Sandy Johnson and Bob (Judy) Buckner; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Kathy Ose; siblings: Jr (Lila) Johnson, Silas Johnson, David (Deanne) Johnson , Leighton (Faye) Johnson, Debra Dingwell, Ardis (Don) Neuhaus, and Beverly (Bob) Richardson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jim Randguard, Don Buckner, Allen (Glenda) Buckner, and Marsh (Bev) Skaalrud

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, April 28, 2023, at 11:00am, with visitation 1 hour prior, at the First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Inurnment will follow at 3:00pm at the Twin Valley City Cemetery.