Watch LeRoy's Funeral Service

LeRoy Dwight Johnson was born July 14, 1950, in Fosston, MN, the son of Lloyd and Josephine (Harvey) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm near Winger, where his love of farming began. He graduated from McIntosh-Winger High School in 1968.

After graduation, he moved to Fridley, MN, to work as a sanitation worker. He returned to Winger in the early seventies and married Nancy Fischer on October 25, 1975, in Gonvick. As Roy worked the family farm, they raised their children on the same piece of land where he grew up. LeRoy worked as the manager of Winger Livestock for nearly two decades before becoming a custodian at the Win-E-Mac School. He was elevated to Building and Grounds Supervisor until his retirement in 2012. He loved his daily interactions with students and teachers and took great pride in making the school look its best. Throughout his working years and retirement, he enjoyed his time driving tractors for numerous farmers in the area, but especially the time spent working for the Gunufsons.

The greatest joy of LeRoy's life was the pride of watching his kids and grandchildren succeed. He spent countless hours visiting gyms, football fields, and baseball diamonds all across northern Minnesota, but nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandkids. He enjoyed his yearly trip to Medora, tapping his toe to polka music every Saturday night, watching (and rewatching) every western known to man, and tending his yard and garden. He was an active member of his community and a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church. LeRoy was a man who was always there to lend a helping hand and never shied away from a challenge. He fought his entire life to make the world a better place for his loved ones. LeRoy passed away on January 25, 2024, after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

LeRoy is survived by his sons, Russ Johnson of Winger and his children, Josie and Logan, and Nathan (Erin) Johnson and their sons: Hayden, Jorgen, and Kai, all of Winger; daughters, LeAnn (Andy) Sattler and their children, Brynn and McKenna, of Bemidji, and Nia Brenteson (CJ Moore) of Bloomington; honorary son, Brandon Omang of Warroad; siblings Truman (Darlene) Johnson of Dilworth, Sharon Johnson of Spring Lake Park, Bette (Eddie) Martin of New Brighton, Dean Johnson of Winger, and Kelly Johnson of Winger, and many other extended family members.

Blessed be the memory of LeRoy Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, Erskine, MN.  Visitation will be held Monday, January 29th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, and continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  Burial will take place at Elim Cemetery, Winger, MN.