Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Clifford Johnson
Clifford Johnson, age 96, of Devils Lake, ND, died Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake, ND.
Clifford Melvin Johnson, was born August 11, 1929, in Minnewaukan, ND, to Eilert and Freda (Paulson) Johnson. He grew up and attended school in Minnewaukan, upon his graduation Cliff attended North Dakota State School of Science.
Cliff was united in marriage to Lillian Christiansen on October 24, 1951. They were blessed with four children, Craig, Dean, Diane and Neil. They raised their family there on the family farm where Cliff cared for the land that he loved. He was a loving husband and a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was a charter member of Trinity Free Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan. Clifford was a board member of the local elevator and West Bay Township.
Clifford is survived by his loving wife of 74 years Lillian; four children, Craig (Corrine) Johnson, Redfield, SD, Dean (Lori) Johnson, Oberon, ND, Diane (Howard) Hansen, Hawley, MN, Neil (Brenda) Johnson, Bismarck, ND; 9 Grandchildren; 12 Great-Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Brian Johnson, a brother Emmet Johnson and a sister Iona Homuth.
Clifford’s Visitation will be Monday, January 12, 2026 from 1:00PM – 2:00PM followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00PM at Trinity Free Lutheran Church, Minnewaukan, ND.
His Burial will be at Trinity Free Lutheran Cemetery, Minnewaukan, ND.
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Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. My father (Melvin Homuth) always talked about Uncle Clifford. I was fortunate to be able to spend some time with Aunt Lillian & Uncle Clifford in New Rockford whenI visited North Dakota with my parents prior to my dad’s death.
Clifford and his family were great to work with, whether it was the vet clinic or at John Deere, they were always a pleasure to work with. Cliff told me the last time I helped him out, “I hope we are far enough away from the water, this time.”
How fortunate to be one of Cliff’s nephews. Summers in the sixties on the Johnson farm was playing kick the can, red light green light, and using pea shooters. Life was smelling silage, getting the cows, driving tractor, riding bike on dirt roads, driving to Minnewaukan and buying comics along with getting an orange sherbet push up. Kids watch adults, kids pay attention, kids replicate adults.
As a kid I unknowingly received, “How to be fair, honest, how to forgive, do the next right thing” lessons from Uncle Cliff. Who in their right mind would let a thirteen-year-old city slicker kid drive a grain truck up alongside a running combine in the field? Cliff did, and when the passenger side mirror connected with the combine, I was removed from my duty. Not punished, just removed. Years later I brought that incident up as a topic, Cliff didn’t remember it. I’ve always remembered that real time grace. In the aftermath of accidents, I’ve tried to mirror that example over the years.
As an adult I loved visiting with Cliff. A running humor banter would form, and the spirit of joy entered the moment. Full gusto, belly laughs, were plentiful. I celebrate having Cliff in my heart. I celebrate the promise of eternity in fields of glory.
Lillian and family, I was so sorry to hear of Clifford’s passing. He was always so friendly, with a smile on his face. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are thinking of all of you today. So sorry we are unable to be there today. We have always enjoyed stopping to visit Clifford and Lillian on our travels to Devils Lake quite a bit. We will miss the conversations with him.
We are very sorry to hear this news. Talking with Clifford was always the highlight of my day, a very kind and caring person. He will be missed.
God bless, our thoughts and prayers are with Clifford and family.