Leland N. Johnson, 66, Sturgeon Lake, died Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake after being recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May. He was born on March 21, 1945 in Birch Creek Township to Hugo and Myrtle Johnson. Leland attended grade school in Denham and later Willow River High School graduating in 1963. He then attended UMD and attained a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Leland was a United States Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam War. After returning from the service, Leland purchased the family farm in Birch Creek Township. On May 31, 1980, Leland married Judy Bailey in Moose Lake. Leland began working in 1980 at Moose Lake Water and Light where he was Superintendant and later worked as Office Manager until his retirement in 2010. He also worked as an assessor in the area. Leland continued his love of farming through the years and was passionate about John Deere and his Limousin cattle. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church where he had served on the church board. Leland loved spending time with his granddaughter, family and friends and also liked visiting with people.

Leland is preceded in death by his wife, Judy in 2009; a sister: Judith Willard; and his parents: Hugo and Myrtle.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters: Melissa Johnson and Kimberly (Joe) Schaefer both of Sturgeon Lake; granddaughter: Sonya Paige Schaefer of Sturgeon Lake; three siblings: Darlene (Wesley) Cottrell of Elk River; Harold (Peggy) Johnson of Danbury; and Linda (Jerry) Meyer of North Branch; and numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation was from 4-7 PM on Sunday, June 26, 2011 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and continued on Monday, June 27, 2001 from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral at Faith Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Lake. Pastor Paul Reiff will officiate. Casket Bearers were Randy Bailey, Bill Blume, Jr., Tim Rock, Jr., Craig Meyer, Chad Miller, Steve Johnson and Mark Bailey, Jr. Leland's remaining nephews were the Honorary Bearers. Burial with Full Military Honors provided by the Sturgeon Lake – Denham American Legion Post #361 was held in Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Birch Creek Twp., Pine County. To sign the guestbook online, go to www.hhkfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.