Thomas Johnson

Thomas “Tom” Johnson, 57, Mandan, passed away November 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Keith Streifel as celebrant. Burial will be at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Tom was born January 6, 1966, the official “Mandan New Year Baby” and son of Leif and Angie (Helbling) Johnson. He was raised on his family farm/ranch southwest of Mandan where his love of the outdoors and his passion for farming and ranching began. He was baptized and confirmed at Christ the King Catholic Church in Mandan and later became a member of Spirit of Life Catholic Church. Tom was active in 4H and FFA throughout his youth and was named top cattle judger. He graduated from Mandan High School in 1984. Ranching was his calling and he had great compassion for his animals, which was evident in the care he provided for them, from the cows and horses to his dogs. Tom delivered approximately 12,000 calves in his lifetime, including twins and triplets. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and loved watching the Minnesota Vikings. Tom was a great dancer which is how he met Stephanie Sauber in the fall of 1998, at The Lonesome Dove. Tom knew she “was the one” and they became engaged on June 25, 1999. On June 16, 2000, in a farm and ranch themed ceremony, Tom married Stephanie, the absolute love of his life, in Stanley, ND. They lived on his family farm until December 2009, when they bought a home in Mandan, but they still enjoyed staying at the farm whenever they could. On September 26, 2016, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Josie Georgia into the world. Excited to have a girl, Tom wore a hot pink shirt for her delivery! He absolutely adored and doted on Josie. He loved taking her to see the new baby calves, check cows, and ride along in the pickup or 4-wheeler for chores. Tom’s favorite places to vacation were the Black Hills in South Dakota and Las Vegas, NV. In January 2023, Tom was diagnosed with cancer which he did not let define him and fought it with all he had. Tom will forever be remembered as a kind hearted, compassionate, and loving Daddy and a devoted husband.  He was quiet and shy, yet loved to joke and prank, especially with Josie. Our memories of this quiet loving soul will live on, as his family and friends cherish the amazing man who shared his life and love with the world.

Blessed to have shared in his life is his beloved wife, Stephanie Johnson and cherished daughter, Josie, of Mandan; siblings, Roger (Connie) Johnson, Bismarck, Vernon (Diane) Johnson, Horace, ND, Gayle Johnson, Castle Rock, CO, and Tim Johnson, Tom’s  business partner in the family farm and ranch operation, Mandan; nieces and nephews and their families, Tiffany and Tim Kremer (Elsie and McKenna); Kari and Walter Mensen (John, Joey, and Clara); Sara and Tim Oldenkamp (Greta, Lydia, Beck, and Leif); Ross and Anne Johnson (Trace, Penn, and Winnie); Adam and JoAnna Johnson (Bryce and Leona); Melissa and Jared Hedman (Claire and Violet); In-laws, John and Kathryn Sauber, John and Cindy Sauber, Tim and Tina Sauber, Kiersten and Jordan Barth and family, Krista and Cameron Christopherson, Katelyn Sauber, and Kolton Sauber.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; twin sisters; grandparents, Harold and Varda Johnson and Pete and Rose Helbling; and nephew, Chad Edwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Farm Rescue, PO Box 28, Horace, ND 58047.