Burton Johnson

Burton Johnson, 94, of Fort Collins, Co, formerly of Jamestown, passed away January 5, 2008 at Fort Collins Health Care Center. Burton was born August 6, 1913 at Sheldon, ND to Tina and John Johnson. He attended school in Verona, ND.

Known as Burt to friends and family members, he was a man of quiet contemplation. He maintained an active interest in current events. He enjoyed card games and jigsaw puzzles. He also was an avid fisherman for years. In later years he often spoke of his Scottish terrier, Blackie.

His first job was with W.H. Noel Construction Company of Jamestown, ND building roads and military bases.

Burt married Luella Ramsland of Almont, ND on September 8, 1938 and he learned to dance. Working construction as he did the couple was required to move around with their trailer home to South Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, Kansas, and Montana. He was an operator of heavy equipment and a welder. In 1945 they settled in Woodworth, ND where Burt bought into a partnership in the Woodworth Implement. He was a salesman and mechanic in addition to farming his own land. Burt later acquired sole ownership of the Woodworth Implement. When the implement store burned and all was lost in a fire during the mid 50?s, Bert and Luella sold their home in Woodworth as well as the farm and resumed their life in construction towing yet another trailer. In 1960 they settled into a home in Jamestown, ND. In Jamestown Burt worked for a few years at Newman Sign Company. The couple spent the year of 1975 traveling with their motor home. Luella died in 1978.

Burt and Rachel E. Trautman, previously of Woodworth, were married July 17, 1980 and established a home together in Jamestown. There Burt enjoyed getting together with his card playing buddies at the Elks, the Eagles or Hardies. He and Rachel enjoyed traveling until her death in 1995.

Burt moved to Aurora, CO. On December 22, 1997 he and Ruth A. Bryant, also previously of Woodworth, were married. Together, they enjoyed trips to ND and Fort Collins to visit family. Ruth passed away in 2002. Burt then moved to Fort Collins.

Burt was a long time member of the Jamestown Eagles and the Elks.

In Fort Collins Burt resided at the Worthington where he enjoyed good friendships and being near family. As his health declined Burt moved to New Mercer Commons.

Survivors include his sons Darrell (Yvonne) and Douglas (Anne) Johnson of Fort Collins, his daughter Bonnie Johnson (Jim Abel) of Minot, ND, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Burt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Luella, his wife Rachel Trautman, and his wife Ruth Bryant, his sisters Mildred and Valentine, a brother Clarence, and a grandson, David Johnson.

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Friday, January 11, 2008 at the Eddy Funeral Chapel, Jamestown with Pastor Bryce Tahran officiating.

Visitation: 1:00 to 5:00 PM, Thursday, January 10, 2008 and 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Friday, January 11, 2008 at the Eddy Funeral Home.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown, North Dakota.

The family requests memorial contributions in Burt?s name be made to the Salvation Army in your own area.

On line guestbook: www.eddyfuneralhome.com