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Kurt Arthur Johnson, 75

Kurt Arthur Johnson was born Dec. 11, 1941, in Arnegard, N.D., to Herman D. and Catherine (Thompson) Johnson. He grew up on a farm 10 miles northeast of Arnegard. He attended and graduated from Watford City High School in Watford City, N.D.

Kurt married Sheila (Tank) on Oct. 13, 1962. To this union was born Judi (Glenn) Overby of Kennewick, Wash., William (Melissa) Johnson of Arlington, Wash., RoAnn (Darrell) Williams of Hamilton, Mont., and Michelle (Wilbur) Douma of Bozeman, Mont.

In 1971, Kurt and Sheila bought the farmstead in North Dakota. The years on the farm were enjoyed by many including nephews and nieces who came to work there in the summer. In 1985, they moved into Watford City and in 1995 they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with his final home in Rathdrum, Idaho.

Shortly after graduating from Auctioneering School in Mason City, Iowa, in 1964, Kurt started J&M Auctions with Orville (Carol) Mjelstad of Arnegard and they sold together for 30-plus years. In addition to auctioneering and farming, Kurt also obtained his commercial pilot license flying for a taxi service in Williston, N.D., sold insurance for Farmers Insurance, obtained his real estate license, he operated his own semi doing local hauling, and after moving to Idaho, drove for Benjamin Trucking until illness forced him into retirement in 2000.

The best choice Kurt ever made, and never regretted, was at an annual church convention in Dagmar, Mont., in 1961, where he professed to God and all present that he was willing to serve Him. This choice set a standard in his life and in his home. His zeal and compassion for truth, family, music and fellowship was evident in his life.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years; four children; nine grandchildren, Dustin Overby, Bailey Overby, Hannah Johnson, Lydia Johnson, Liam Johnson, Adam Johnson, Garrett Williams, Wyatt Williams and Sierra Williams; and 70+ foster grandchildren; one brother, Kent (Addie) Johnson of Johnstown, Colo.; two sisters, Berdena Krapu of Castle Rock, Colo., and Pamela (Calvin) Haugan of Watford City; in-laws Yvonne Borgmann of Helena, Mont., Doyne (Cecilia) Tank of Plain City, Utah, Dennis (Charlene) Tank of Bismarck, N.D., Arlyce (James) Ross of Longview, Wash., and Gerald (Theresa) Watkins of Livingston, Mont.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman D. and Catherine Johnson; one brother, Herman Johnson; and all his aunts and uncles.

The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for all the help and support received from family, friends and all medical staff through all the years of his illnesses.

Viewing and visitation for family and friends will be from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2017, at The Waldo Residence, 27769 W. Highway 53, Hauser, Idaho. Graveside committal will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Pinegrove Cemetery in Rathdrum.

Please visit Kurt’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.