Albin H. "Al" Johnson

Albin H. "Al" Johnson, 94, of Great Falls, a former department manager for Sears Roebuck, died at a local nursing home Saturday, Oct. 8, of injuries he received in a Sept. 8 car crash in Great Falls.

His memorial service with military honors is 2 p.m. Friday at First English Lutheran Church, with burial in Highland Cemetery. Cremation took place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home.

Albin H. "Al" Johnson was born June 1, 1917, in Hardin, Mont., to Herman and Elida Johnson, and was the oldest of five brothers and one sister. His family moved in the early 1920s to Hysham, where he attended public schools. After graduating in 1937 as valedictorian of his class from Hysham High School, he attended Johnston School of Business in Billings.

He then joined his father and brothers in the construction business. While still in high school, he often worked during the summers for ranchers and farmers. As he said, the pay was poor, but the food was sure good.

In spring 1941, he volunteered for service in the U.S. Army. He served with Gen. Omar Bradley's 1st Army in the European Theatre, and his unit was awarded five combat stars covering the Battles of Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe.

Following his discharge from the Army, he became a dealer for the new Kaiser-Frazer cars. In 1948, he married Evelyn Busma. After disposing of his car dealership, he moved to Great Falls. He accepted a position with Sears Roebuck as manager of its farm and tire store, later serving as the department head for the hardware and paint departments. In 1982, he retired after 30 years with Sears.

After moving to Great Falls, he joined the Masonic Lodge, Euclid 58 AF & AM, with a transfer from Hysham Lodge 129 AF & AM. He served Euclid Lodge 58 as worshipful master in 1958, and in 1965 was elected secretary of the lodge, where he served for 33 years.

He and his wife Evelyn joined Olive Chapter 10, Order of the Eastern Star, in 1949. He served as worthy patron of Olive Chapter 10 in 1959-60, 1983-84, 1989-90, 2000-2001, 2002-2003 and 2005-2006.

His wife, Evelyn, died in 2002. He married Lillian Knutson in 2004. Lillian passed away in August 2007 from West Nile virus. He also was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, George, Leo, Alan and Einar.

He is survived by his sister, Ethel Williams of Hysham; brother Klemens Johnson of Billings; and many nieces and nephews, of whom he was very proud, having had no children of his own.

In 1955, he joined the York-Rite Bodies of Great Falls, and served as presiding officer in each of the three bodies, and was awarded high honors by state and national jurisdictions.

He and his wife Evelyn were very active in youth organizations, having served both locally and statewide as adult advisers for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. He also served with Lillian on the local Rainbow board. He was honored as a Member of Honor of Bethel 9 International Order of Job's Daughters.

He was a member of the Cascade Sheriff's Posse Search and Rescue Unit, and was awarded life membership in that body in 1990. He served on the Great Falls Masonic Temple Board Association, and was secretary-treasurer until his retirement in 2008. He also was a member of American Legion Post 3, and the Great Falls Electric City Lions Club, serving as president several times.

In 1995-1996, he served as worthy grand patron with Shirley Gabrialson of Wolf Point as worthy grand matron of the Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star of Montana.

He also enjoyed playing his dad's 50-year-old squeeze box accordion and entertained various Masonic groups with his old-time music.

He was a member of First English Lutheran Church, where he and Lillian were married Aug. 28, 2004.

He always found time to help people in need of assistance, and constructed a number of ramps for people who had to use wheelchairs and walkers.

His scripture message when he was worthy grand patron was from 1 Paul 3:17 "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing than for evil doing."

Memorials in his name are suggested to First English Lutheran Church, Shriner's Hospital Travel Fund or Evelyn Johnson Scholarship for the Rainbow Girls.

Condolences may be posted online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.