Ardell Stanley Johnson, 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 2, 2026.
Ardell was born to Sidney and Alma Johnson in Whalan, Minnesota, on August 30, 1938. Ardell had one sister, Alice Cavanaugh.
Ardell grew up in Whalan and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1956. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 5, 1957. He received an honorable discharge on June 5, 1959.
Ardell married his high school sweetheart, Karen McDowell on September 5, 1959, in Henrytown, Minnesota. He continued to farm north of Whalan on his family farm and in 1966 they purchased and moved to Karen’s family farm. Ardell continued to farm throughout his life. He also raised cows.
Ardell and his wife devoted their lives to their family, raising eight children – five sons and three daughters: Michael Johnson, Jane Stuckey (Rodney), Paul Johnson (Dorinda), Todd Johnson (Terri), Jared Johnson, Jennifer Helgemoe (Matt), Jessica Thomason (Chad), and Ross Johnson (Jen).
Sundays were a special time with family. Ardell, Karen and children attended Whalan Lutheran Church. Family dinner was often at the White Front Café in Lanesboro or at his parents’ home in Lanesboro.
Ardell enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors at the Highland store. He also enjoyed traveling and had several favorite destinations. Some of these included Canada, Norway, California, Catalina Island, Arizona, Mexico, Hawaii and Nevada.
Ardell loved collecting diecast tractors and ball caps, going for drives around the countryside, especially to check out local storm damage and crops, spending holidays with family and taking Karen to Miss Marquette Riverboat for a night out.
His favorite evenings included reading the newspaper, watching TV with Karen and kids, eating a large bowl of buttered popcorn with a glass of high pulp orange juice. His favorites were oyster stew, maple nut ice cream, and Karen’s homemade pizza. His adventures included farm shows, the Lanesboro Sales Barn, and driving through every implement dealership he saw along the road.
Ardell was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. His quiet strength, smirky smile, and devotion to those he loved will be remembered for years to come.
Grandchildren include Tyler (Amy), Kallie, Kendal (Jared), Darin, Trista, Trebor, Savannah, Vanessa, Nikki (Gregg), Jordon (Ali), BrookLynn, Anna, Colton, Haeli (Clay), Sydney (Luke), Brady (Cass), Lexie, Sawyer, Brynnley, Tayler, Ava, Emily, Emma, Izabella, Jake, Victor, Danika, Cruz, Ivy and Cameron.
Great-grandchildren include Mikayla, Tatum, Jett, Stella, Millie, Jade, Oakley, Harlan, Miles, Dolly, Walter, Paisli, Ryp, Rygs, Boone, Onyx, Beau, Cohen and Lyndi.
He was preceded in death by his parents Sidney and Alma, his sister Alice, his grandson Trebor, and great-grandson Walter.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Whalan Lutheran Church, with Rev. Byron Meline officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service, from 10-12 p.m., at church. Interment will be at the Whalan Lutheran Cemetery.
Hoff Funeral Home – Lanesboro is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hofffuneral.com.
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