Walter E. Johnson, 93 of Ray, ND passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Tioga Long Term Care in Tioga, ND.

Walter E. Johson was born May 13, 1931 to John & Caremella (Pinks) Johnson in Bismarck, ND. He was raised in Dunseith, North Dakota and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1949. Walt got his Associates Degree from North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau, North Dakota.

He started his Banking Career in Bottineau, North Dakota while going to college. After that he transferred to the Bank in Mohall, North Dakota where he met the love of his life, Karel Bahl. He started working at Citizens State Bank of Ray in 1959 and worked at that location until he retired.

On October 18, 1959, Walt married Karel Bahl at Hamerly Lutheran Church. They made their home in Ray. Walt and Karel have a son, Gregory and daughter, Jennifer that were raised in Ray.

Walt was very active in his community. A member of Ray Lutheran Church and spent many years on the Church Council and Co-chairman of the Annual Lutefisk Dinner. He was a 50-year member of the Ray Lions Club. Serving as NW District Governor of North Dakota Lions from 1972 – 1973. He was also an EMT with the Ray Ambulance Service for many years and also served on the Board of Directors for Tioga Medical Center. Walt loved to golf and bowled in the Tioga league for many years. Walt loved his community.

Walt is survived by his wife, Karel (65 ½ years); son, Gregory (Ruby)Johnson and daughter, Jennifer (Rick) Kessner; grandchildren, James Dyson and family, Caremella (Jeremy) Johnson and family, Darby (Caitlin) Kessner, Eliana, Ensley and Emerson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John & Caremella Johnson; brothers, Bud, Bob, Warren, Roger and Chuck; sister, Shirley.