Duane E. Johnson, 85, of Grand Forks , passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Luther Memorial Homes in Mayville, ND.

Duane Ervin Johnson was born April 27, 1940 in Henning, MN to Selmer and Ruby "Irene" (Bergsten) Johnson. He grew up in Henning and graduated from high school there in 1958.  Following high school, Duane joined the US Air Force and served honorably for six years.

On December 31, 1959, Duane married Leota Jean Bowers and the two were blessed with three children, Sherrie, Greg and Sheila. Duane was in the auto-repair business specializing in painting and was a member of the Eagles Club in Dickinson, ND. He enjoyed being outdoors, spending time hunting and fishing. Nothing brought him more joy than being a dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.

He is survived by his wife Valerie Johnson of Dickinson, ND; children Sherrie Ridl of Mandan, ND, Greg Johnson of Lakota, ND and Sheila (Maynard) Cota of Grand Forks; step-daughter Ashley (Eric) Koffler of Dickinson, ND; brother Wes Johnson of Henning, MN; grandchildren Riley, Preston and Chelisa Ridl, Casey Johnson and Brooklyn Cota; great-grandchild Nova Ridl; step-grandchildren Alex, Gavin and Kalia Koffler.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Leota Johnson, parents Selmer and Irene Johnson, brother Les Johnson, sister Ruby Reiter and infant sister Beverly Johnson.