William Ronald Johnson

William R. Johnson age 83 of Detroit Lakes, MN died February 16, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Bill was born September 26, 1941, in Detroit Lakes, MN to Kenneth and Shirley (Hanks) Johnson. He was raised in the Shoreham area and attended school in Detroit Lakes, graduating from Detroit Lakes High School in 1959. After graduation he went into the Navy, where he served on the USS Champlain. That ship picked up astronaut Alan Shephard when he returned from the Moon. Following his discharge from the Navy, Bill worked in the family business as a well driller. He later worked for Merit Care/Sanford for over twenty years.

Bill loved riding his Gold Wing motorcycle, often taking trips to the west coast with his companion Kay. You would also see him riding around town with his two beloved poodles on the back seat.

Bill is survived by his companion of thirty-seven years, Kay Parker; two nieces, Sherri Johnson, of Shoreham, MN; and Angie (Richie) Burnside, of Hawley, MN; one nephew, James “Jim” Johnson Jr., of Hawley, MN; and several great nieces and nephews.

No services will be held at this time. The West-Kjos Funeral Home is serving the family.