Wanita “Woni” Johnson, 66, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, in Fargo, ND, after an extended illness. Her Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 3:33 PM at Inspiration Lutheran Brethren Church in Breckenridge, MN. Visitation will take place one hour prior. Pastor Tim Collins will officiate.
Wanita “Woni” Johnson, age 66, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in Fargo, North Dakota, after an extended illness — and in true Woni fashion, she probably still had a few opinions about how things should’ve gone. She lived a life filled with laughter, love, and a bit of mischief.
Woni was a free spirit who enjoyed life to its fullest. She grew up and attended school at Richland 44 in Colfax, North Dakota, graduating in 1977. She was spunky, bold, and never afraid to tell it like it was. Woni loved her beer cold, her tan golden, and her football loud — cheering (and yelling) for her favorite teams: the Minnesota Vikings, NDSU Bison, and Minnesota Twins. She and her partner in crime, Howard, spent the last several years together watching the Vikings and all their favorite sports, laughing, teasing, and sharing the kind of companionship that made life sweeter.
When she wasn’t watching the game, she was planning a party, doing trivia (often alongside her brother Albert), or heading to the casino — usually leaving with a story or two. She also loved visiting Albert at the farm, where the two shared countless laughs and made memories that will never be forgotten. Woni also loved her sisters’ trips, traveling with Kathy and Jessie to SD, WY, WI, MT, CO, MI, and NV — creating memories full of laughter, sightseeing, and sisterly mischief. Her final sisters’ trip will take place on November 5th for her final farewell, as they gather one last time to celebrate her life and spirit.
A true daddy’s girl at heart, Woni carried his love and strength with her throughout her life. But above all else, her son Jesse was the center of her world. He was her pride and joy — her greatest blessing and the one she bragged about endlessly. Jesse inherited his mom’s spirit and her love for bringing people together, sharing his own talents for singing, guitar, piano, and magic — something that filled her heart with pride.
Woni is survived by her son Jesse; her siblings, Kathy and Jessie; and her fiancé and partner in crime, Howard. She will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and long-time friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Johnson; her mother, Marcy Johnson; and her brother, Albert Johnson.
Honorary urn bearers are her beloved nieces and nephews — Jessica, Dylan, Ryan, Richy, Hayden, Quentin, Dallas, and Amy — who all knew better than to argue with her, even now.
Those who knew Woni will remember her fiery personality, sharp wit, and her favorite sayings: “Love you best,” “Love you baby,” “Ciao,” and “If the bus is leaving, I’m on it.” She lived life her way — loud, loyal, and full of laughter — and the world is a lot less fun without her in it.
Ciao.
Woni’s Family would like to give special recognition to Heather’s Hospice House of Fargo, ND, for their incredible care and guidance during times of need.
