Harley Michael Johnson, 78, of Stanley ND, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at his home in Stanley, ND.

Harley was born on March 27, 1948, to Harold and Agnes (Lawler) Johnson of Rock Lake, ND. He graduated from high school in Rock Lake, ND, in 1966.

After graduating high school, Harley served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Petty Officer, Second Class. He also served on a buoy tender in Alaska, later working on a farm in Hansboro with his Uncle Mike. Harley graduated from the Wahpeton State School of Science and then went on to work at Standard Oil Company, staying on when it was renamed Amoco Corporation. Later on, he also earned his pilot's license as well.

Harley met and married the love of his life, Martha Johnson in New Town, ND, on April 5, 1980.

Harley and Martha lived in New Town, ND, and enjoyed spending time with their daughters, grandchildren, friends, and family. They also enjoyed spending time with other couples and cruising around in their convertibles, houseboat, plane, and motorhome until Martha’s passing on November 18, 2012.

Harley was regularly active in the American Legion Color Guard in New Town and Stanley, ND. He served on the board for Golden Age Club for senior citizens in Stanley, ND, and as a cook for local benefit breakfasts. Some of his favorite spots included Napa Joe’s in New Town, ND and an annual trip to Devil’s Run in Devil’s Lake, ND.

He was often very generous with his time helping others, showing people how to do things, and sharing stories.

Harley enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and working on ancestry history, often sharing his new findings annually in Park Rapids, MN, when his family would reunite for a week's vacation. He was an avid hunter, mechanic, and always had a joke to share.

He enjoyed being called “the godfather” by all his nieces and nephews.

Harley is survived by his stepdaughters, Rebecca Weninger Schuster and Charlena Weninger Vinglass; grandchildren, Ava Schuster and Christian Schuster; brother, Dan (Diane) Johnson; nephew, Eric (Kristi) Johnson; nieces, Kris (Tony) Jackson, Robin (Bob) Eastman, Michele (Kevin) McCormick, Cindy Johnson, Cassie (Jason) Murphy; and numerous family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Martha; parents, Harold and Agnes; sister, Aoulene Hauschulz and brother-in-law, (Harold) Bruce Hauschulz; and grandchildren, Ben, Julia, and Luke Schuster.