Tanner P. Johnson

Tanner Patrick Johnson, 46, of Grand Forks, ND, unexpectedly passed away from complications related to Type 1 diabetes while surrounded by family at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Tanner was born at United Hospital as the first son to Brian & Kathy Johnson. He grew up in Grand Forks near Central Park, enjoying many pick-up hockey games and other ball games with the neighborhood crew. He attended Belmont Elementary and throughout these younger days he played many sports including hockey, baseball, flag football, and even cross country. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 7 and became a poster child for the American Diabetes Association. He courageously battled this disease for nearly 40 years.

Tanner attended South Middle School and then went on to graduate from Red River High School. Following high school, he briefly attended Mayville State University, prior to the flood of 1997 requiring him to return home to help with clean-up. Following his 1996 state hockey championship with Red River, Tanner continued his hockey career into Juniors playing for the Bismarck Bobcats, Bozeman Ice Dawgs, and the FM Sharks before ultimately playing men’s league for the Merchants. He played softball for many teams, primarily McMenamy’s, over the following years. Tanner also assumed the role of manager, coach, ref, and umpire for hockey and softball over his years.

He worked many jobs over the years, ranging from bartending, retail, underground locating, and custodial work. He ultimately found the most rewarding job of being a dad. He met his wife, Brittany, on the softball diamonds and they were married in June of 2012. They made their life and home together in their house on Cherry. There they filled their home with 3 crazy labradors and 3 beautiful/handsome children. Tanner was an avid Sioux hockey fan, Twins fan, and occasional Vikings fan. He also followed the Wild and recently got to go to see a playoff game with his daughter at the Xcel Energy Center.

Tanner returned to coaching in more recent years as a multitude of orthopedic surgeries with his hip (combined with his wife’s loving advice) would not allow him to continue playing. He most recently coached Ice Bandits hockey and West Fargo Fusion Fastpitch Softball, allowing him to coach Maris and Rook. He loved spending time with all his kids at any rink or diamond and will now be able to see all of their games even when they are in different cities. Tanner loved fiercely, especially his family, maybe was too passionate at times about sports, and gave his all into things he enjoyed doing. He had been sober for 19 months and appreciated all of the support he received from his friends at AA.

Tanner is survived by his wife of just over 13 years, Brittany, and their three children, Maris, Rook and Sutton (Grand Forks); his parents Brian & Kathy Johnson, brother Dusty Johnson, and nephew Kaleb Thingelstad (all of Grand Forks). He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl & Alice Johnson, Duke McMenamy and Betty McMenamy Majors and uncles, Larry, Rick and Pat McMenamy and Bruce Johnson.

Visitation will be on Thursday, June 19 from 5:00pm-7:00pm and Friday, June 20th from 9:30-10:30am at University Lutheran Church, 2122 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Funeral service will begin on Friday, June 20th at 10:30am again at University Lutheran Church.

Tanner was not a man to dress up, so please feel free to attend the service(s) in comfortable clothing, softball/hockey jerseys, etc.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to support a Tanner Johnson Memorial Scholarship for Grand Forks Youth Hockey. Checks can be made out to Britt Johnson (with Tanner Johnson Memorial Scholarship in the memo) or donations can be made at any Gate City Bank location in honor of him under Brittany Johnson.