John H. Johnson

GLENDIVE - John H. Johnson, age 87, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive.A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Avis Anderson officiating. Interment with military honor will be in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

John was born on Dec. 20, 1922, in Fargo, N. D., the son of John J. and Olga (Herberg) Johnson. He was raised and educated in Halstad, Minn., graduating from Halstad High School with the class of 1940. He went on to attend Interstate Business College in Fargo. An opportunity arose in Washington, D.C., so John moved there to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a fingerprint classifier. In March of 1943, John entered the United State Air Corp and served in England and Northern Ireland with the Military Police. While in the service he was a member of the post orchestra, known as the Mustang's. The highlight of this was opening for Glenn Miller in Belfast. John was honorably discharged from military service on Nov. 16, 1945.

Following his discharge from the military, John enrolled at Moorhead State Teachers College in Moorhead, Minn., and earned his teaching certificate and a Bachelor of Arts in music. While at Moorhead State he met the love of his life, Donna Harris. They were married in August of 1950 and had 46 wonderful years together. They started their careers together in Roseau, Minn., and in 1953 moved to Glendive where they taught in the school system until 1960 when he became Principal of the Dawson County High School. John retired in 1984. During this time, John helped raise four children, was very active in Zion Lutheran Church, Lion's International and the Glendive Elks Lodge.

In 1988, John turned his energies to politics and entered the race for Montana State Representative, was elected and served 12 years in the Montana House of Representatives. Among his accomplishments in the Legislature were the Paddlefish Roe Program and the Eastern Montana Veterans Home. John represented the people of Eastern Montana very well. John had served on the Montana Arts Council, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (National Board of Directors) and the Governing Council of Multiple District 37 Lions International.

John was preceded in death by his wife Donna in 1997. After Donna's passing, John reconnected with Aileen Boyce. They were great friends and traveled together many places. They especially enjoyed being "Snowbirds" wintering in California.

Survivors include four children, Michael (Kathy) Johnson of Federal Way, Wash., Steven (Debi) Johnson of Missoula,  Randi (Paul) Mayer of Ada, Okla., and Glynis Johnson of Sheridan, Wyo.; two grandchildren, Kimberly (Dan) Haynie of Circle, and Claire Mayer of Ada, Okla.; seven great grandchildren, Dylan Haynie, Faith Haynie, Sydni Haynie, Jaydn Haynie, Kayli Haynie, Jhace Haynie and Ethan Haynie; one brother, Robert W. (Leatrice) Johnson of Fargo, N. D.; and a special friend, Aileen Boyce of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Memorials in John's name are suggested to: Zion Lutheran Church of Glendive or Glendive Walking Paths % Peggy Iba, 313 W Valentine, Glendive, Montana 59330. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: http://www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com" target= "_blank">www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com