Kirby Johnson

Kirby L. Johnson, 70, of Mandan, passed away June 8, 2020 at CHI St. Alexius, Bismarck surrounded by his loving family.

A private Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, ND with Rev. Brandon Wolf as celebrant. There will be a celebration of life at the Mandan Eagles from 3:30-5:30 PM following the church service. All are welcome! Inurnment will take place at a later date.

A live stream of the service will be available on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM. Go to Spirit of Life’s Facebook page to watch the live stream.

Kirby Johnson was born February 21, 1950 to LJ “Chuck” and Alma (Krebsbach) Johnson in Bismarck, ND. Kirby was raised and educated in Washburn. While attending Washburn High School Kirby started dating his best friend, Linda (Rodgers). Their love for each other is an image of unconditional love. Following high school Kirby went on to attend Dickinson State College, where he was selected as the Homecoming Chief his senior year.

His love for Linda only continued to grow over the years, leading to Kirby and Linda getting married May 27, 1972. Their family grew larger with their children Tessa and Tyler. Kirby loved God, his wife, his family, his many friends and his country.. He embraced the word love; he was a friend to many, and was always ready to add to his friendship list. He was a man who loved and was loved by all.

Kirby was known for his love to entertain his family and friends. He always ensured that everyone was invited and felt welcome, even if it meant going out of his way. His love to grill made him a great host, especially for the 4th of July celebration. Kirby would always be the one to make up a game or contest to be played, and before you knew it everyone was having a great time playing along.  Whether it be family and friends racing around the house or balancing a balloon on a stick everyone was included and had a great time.

Kirby was a role model in many aspects of his life. He was a man of integrity. He was the husband, father, friend, and businessman that people trusted. He would always make time for anyone when they would need it. He was proud of where he was from and was always quick to point it out to friends and strangers. He would go out of his way to buy local and always supported those who were close to him.

Kirby was a teacher for four years, even though it was four short years the students still remember him to this day. Striving for the best for his students he would walk on his hands to lighten the students up before taking their hard tests, something they will never forget. Following Kirby’s teaching career, he went on to working at The Finder for about eight years, and the Bismarck Tribune for about eight years. Kirby found a passion for selling insurance and investments, he carried his career at Horace Mann Insurance for 27 years. All while still finding the time to be on the church council for 12 years.

While not working Kirby enjoyed all sports and was active in baseball, softball, football, and golf. He played multiple sports in high school and college. Later in life he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He also enjoyed dancing and being a Packers fan.

Kirby will be greatly missed by his wife, Linda; children, Tessa (Ryan) Brandt and Tyler (Sarah) Johnson; grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Luke Brandt, Elizabeth, Joseph, Cecilia, Anastasia, Dominic, and Lillian Johnson; siblings, Dianne Wolf, Maureen (Ben) Kautzman, Wanda (Dewey) Oster.

Kirby was preceded in death by his parents LJ “Chuck” and Alma Johnson; siblings, Kay (David) Schuler, Sister Donna Johnson, Lowell “Butch” Johnson, Cheryl (Roger) Wingerter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the American Heart Association.