Morris Johnson (2019)

Morris Walton Johnson of Park River, North Dakota, died on February 22, 2019 surrounded by love, at the home of his daughter in Tempe, Arizona. He was 92 years old.
Morris was born in Grafton, North Dakota on May 11, 1926 to Adolph and Laura (Jorgenson) Johnson. He attended school at the Four-mile Schoolhouse and in Grafton. Throughout his youth and early adult years he worked with his family on their farm.
Morris married the love of his life, Jean LaVonne Torkelson, on October 9, 1948. That same year he took a job at Grafton Implement Company where over the years, he held several different jobs: mechanic, parts man, and salesman. In 1959 he accepted a position in the service department of the International Harvester Company.
In 1960 Morris was pleased to be offered the opportunity to become a member of IH's first Combine Patrol. In that position he traveled from southern Texas into Canada following the wheat harvest. The men of the Combine Patrol followed Custom Combiners who were using IH's Experimental Combines. As a Combine Patrolman it was his duty to be constantly available to repair any problems that erupted during the harvest. He was also expected to report problems and to make suggestions that would improve the next model. Morris worked three weeks on, one week off throughout the campaign which lasted from mid-April to late October. Morris was fortunate to be involved in a variety of unique experiences which broadened his horizons and improved his engineering mind as well as his mechanical skills. One such experience was an opportunity to work with experimental equipment at the proving grounds on South Mountain in Arizona. This also piqued his interest in Arizona.
Morris is survived by his Daughters: Mary (Wayne) Riendeau, Grand Forks, ND; Kris (Dan) Cartwright, Tempe, AZ; Joy (Terry) Eidem, Felton, MN; Sons: Merle (Kristina), Glyndon, MN; Jon (Trudee), Plano, TX; Scott (Shelly) Gatesville, TX; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, Adolph and Laura; his sister, Ruth Mesedahl; his brothers, Robert and George.
Morris' family and friends will have the opportunity to celebrate his life with a memorial service and burial on a summer date to be announced.