Post Draps Charter for Neil Johnsrud — Fred Apgar
Neil was born and raised in North Dakota. Like many boys during the Great Depression, he quit school after the 8th grade to work on the family ranch. At the age of 17, he also worked as a roustabout in the oil fields. Neil enlisted in the Army at the age of 23 and served in the Philippines and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He served as a mortar man and received the Philippine Liberation Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal after two years of service. Neil worked as a machinist at Boeing for 29 years and enjoyed good health during 24 years of retirement. Neil died at the age of 92 on February 5th after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris, three children and nine grandchildren.
The Post was asked by the family to conduct a graveside service for Neil. Commander Jim Blossey and Chaplin Fred Apgar lead the ceremony and Senior Vice (and 1st Sergeant) Chris Edwards provided troops to perform a flag folding ceremony. Post 1040 provided their honor guard.