James (Bud) Johanning

FUNERAL SERVICES : 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.VISITATION : 5-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Wednesday.INTERMENT : Hubbard Cemetery in Hubbard, MNSURVIVORS : His wife, Anna of Pine River; his children: Claudette (Al) Holder of Brooklyn Center, MN, Buzz (Tina) Johanning of Park Rapids, Richard (Donna) Blanchard, Jimmy Dale (Carol) Blanchard, Howard (Jill) Blanchard and Violet (Brad) Lefebvre all of Pine River, MN, Patrick Borman of Backus, Kaylene (Mark) Long of Howard Lake, MN and Susan (Tim) Christensen of Pine River; many precious grand children and great grandchildren; two sisters: Eleanor Blanchard of Menahga and Betty Bailey and her son, Mike both of New Hope, MN. JAMES WILLIAM "Bud" JOHANNINGAugust 15, 1925 " January 1, 2012 James William "Bud" Johanning, age 86, a life long Park Rapids-Hubbard area resident, peacefully passed into eternity on Sunday, January lst, 2012 at his apartment near Pine River, MN surrounded by his loved ones. Bud was born on his Tolle grandparent"s farm in Henrietta Township southeast of Park Rapids, MN to William and Hermine (Tolle) Johanning. As an infant, his parent"s purchased a farm near Hubbard where he was raised. Bud attended country school near Hubbard and grew into manhood helping on the family farm. In December of 1944, Bud entered the United States Navy where he served his country in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of World War II as a signal man aboard the destroyer, the USS Miller DD 535. Upon receiving his honorable discharge on June 26, 1946, Bud returned to Hubbard where he farmed with his dad. For a year or so, Bud ventured to Michigan where he and several buddies found employment working at the Pontiac Auto Assembly Plant. On October 19, 1950, Bud was united in marriage to Eleanor Blanchard. This union was blessed with two children: Claudette and Buzz. The young family moved to the Hibbing area in 1955 where Bud gained employment working in the iron ore mines during the work week and would return to Hubbard to farm on the weekends. Following his dad"s death in 1958, Bud took over the operation of the family dairy farm full-time. After a number of years, Bud sold the dairy herd and began raising beef cattle. He was united in marriage to Lois Dickinson in 1979. She preceded him in death in 1987 after a valiant battle against cancer. His life was made whole by his marriage to Anna Marie Blanchard on August 20, 1994 in Pine River. In addition to farming, Bud also drove cement truck for many years, first for Doug Dickinson and then for Park Region Aggregate. Later, he drove gravel truck for Ralph Sanquist, Dave Barrett and Howard"s Driveway. Bud was appreciated by his employers for his dependability in working long hours and the meticulous care he gave his trucks. In the winter, when he was caught up with his farm work, Bud would work in the woods cutting and hauling pulp logs. In fact, Bud continued cutting and splitting his own firewood until he was well up into his 80"s. Bud and Anna made their home in Park Rapids for many years and enjoyed spending their winters in Harlingen, Texas. Each spring, Bud enjoyed raising a large vegetable garden and many beautiful flowers. He also enjoyed working on his old cars and telling stories. Due to his failing health, he and Anna moved to Pine River, MN to live with family. Bud will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Anna of Pine River; his children: Claudette (Al) Holder of Brooklyn Center, MN, Buzz (Tina) Johanning of Park Rapids, Richard (Donna) Blanchard, Jimmy Dale (Carol) Blanchard, Howard (Jill) Blanchard and Violet (Brad) Lefebvre all of Pine River, MN, Patrick Borman of Backus, Kaylene (Mark) Long of Howard Lake, MN and Susan (Tim) Christensen of Pine River; many precious grand children and great grandchildren; two sisters: Eleanor Blanchard of Menahga and Betty Bailey and her son, Mike both of New Hope, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; daughter, Patricia Borman, niece, Kelly Bailey and one great grandson, Connor Rokke. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with the Rev. Bob Light officiating. Casket bearers will be: Buzz Johanning, Richard Blanchard, Jimmy Dale Blanchard, Howard Blanchard, Brad Lefebvre, Alan Holder and Patrick Borman. The honorary casketbearers will be all his friends and co-workers. Interment will be made at the Hubbard Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post of Menahga under the direction of Mr. Willie Davis. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM Tuesday, January 3, 2012 and for one hour prior to the services on Wednesday at the funeral home. Following the service, a luncheon will be provided for all at the Hubbard Community Center in Hubbard.