Watch Laurel's funeral service

Laurel Johnson, age 91, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Laurel was born on January 16, 1935, in Benson, MN to William and Alice (Hoiland) Buckner. She was raised and attended school in Benson, where she formed many cherished memories. While in high school, Laurel worked as a carhop waitress and spent as much time as possible with her high school sweetheart, Daryl Johnson.  On February 15, 1955, Laurel and Daryl were united in marriage and together, they began a life rooted in love, partnership, and devotion. Their early years took them to several places while Daryl served in the military, before settling for a time in the Minneapolis area, where Laurel worked as a telephone operator. As their family grew, they returned to Benson, where Laurel embraced her most treasured role of being a mother. In 1969, Laurel and Daryl purchased a farm near Mahnomen, MN and they moved their family North. They became members of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, where Laurel spent many hours quilting and serving on ladies aid.  She lived a full and meaningful life as a devoted farm wife and mother to their six children. Laurel poured her heart into raising her family, tending a working a farm, and supporting her children in all their activities.  She was a proud 4-H leader and active participant in the county fair, where she delighted in watching her children grow through showing animals, sewing, baking, and other projects. Her pride in her family's accomplishments was evident in all she did.

In 2007, Laurel and Daryl retired from the farm and moved into Twin Valley, where they enjoyed quieter years together. Laurel found great joy in the simple beauty of life. She loved the outdoors, camping and fishing. She had a gift for gardening, nurturing both vibrant flowers and bountiful vegetable gardens.  Known for her warm hospitality, Laurel was an excellent cook, especially remembered for her delicious fried chicken and hearty Sunday dinners that brought family together around the table.  She was a kind and thoughtful neighbor, a loyal friend, and an active member of the Jolly Homemakers Club. Following Daryl's passing in 2023, Laurel continued to carry his memory close to her heart. Laurel's gentle spirit, quiet strength, and deep love for her family will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

Laurel is survived; 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 of Hawley; 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, Evan (Danielle) Weinzirl; and Gretchen (Dillan Owen) Weinzirl; 11 great grandchildren; brother in law: Donald; sisters-in-law: Judy, Jane, and Pamela; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daryl; their daughter, Kathy Ose; her siblings: Allen (Glenita), Bob, Don, Ramona (Jim), Bev (Marshall), Judith and Marilyn; a brother-in-law, Marlow and several of Daryl's siblings: Jr. (Lila), Silas, David (Deanne) Leighton (Faye), Debra, Ardis (Don), and Beverly (Bob).

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with a visitation starting one hour prior, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN.  Inurnment will take place at Twin Valley City Cemetery.