Obituary: Clara Johnson
Clara Johnson
On the morning of April 11, 2022 at age 96 Clara passed away of natural causes in her home at Hunter’s Pointe, her devoted daughter Barbara at her side.
Clara, the youngest of Nels and Steinvor (Bakka) Skogen’s five children, was born in Suldal, Norway, on August 9, 1925. Three years later she immigrated with her parents and siblings to Epping, North Dakota. The enterprising Nels had homesteaded in ND before returning to Norway to marry and create a family.
Mom was a positive person, perhaps as a result of being a child of the Depression Years, when life on the prairie was often challenging. She related how the family dealt with grasshopper and cutworm plagues and her days herding sheep barefooted (shoes were saved for school). She was an excellent student, graduating as valedictorian of her high school at age 16.
She was still 16 when she moved to Williston, ND, roomed with several young women, and entered the workforce as an assistant to the Williams County Extension Agent. Mom possessed musical talents (taught herself on the guitar) and had a clear and near pitch-perfect voice and loved to harmonize. She grew up dancing, a passion that followed her throughout life; she was 92 when she broke a hip “jitterbugging” (she recovered nicely, but no more dancing).
In 1942 mom met a tall, dark-haired field hand from Minnesota who was working on her family’s farm; following a year courtship Clara wed Percy Johnson in Williston. They soon started a family with Kelvey, Beverly and Barbara following in order. After a number of years of farm- related work in ND the family moved to Kalispell, MT for greater opportunities. Mom remained a homemaker until Barbara started school and then mom went to work for the Montana Job Service. She started as receptionist, but quickly transitioned to interviewer once her people skills were recognized. Clara relished more than holding her own in this male-dominated environment. Later in life Clara and Percy took on the challenge of owning and operating a successful steak house in Kalispell. Clara and Percy were an active couple, dancing, camping, and most especially enjoying the company of their many friends, establishing relationships lasting a lifetime. Mom’s positive nature was most inspiringly manifested in truly unconditional love and care shown to family and friends.
Clara is survived by her daughter Beverly Devaney (Ralph Schneider) of Cascade, MT, Barbara Cooper (Stephen Cooper) of Helena, MT and daughter-in-law Jeanne Johnson of Great Falls, MT. Clara is also survived by seven grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 47-years, Percy; son Kelvey; son-in-law Charles Devaney; her sisters Berit (Harry Leverenz) and Anna Anderson (Ted); brothers Conrad Skogen (Delores) and Osmond Skogen (Dorothy); infant brother Magna, born and died in Norway.
Mom’s last years were rewarding thanks to the staff and friends she made at Hunter’s Pointe; her last days were spent under the gracious care of Marie and Stephanie. We, including most especially mom, are sincerely grateful to those folks.
Mom will be laid to rest in Kalispell next to dad at Fairview Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2022; following the burial a social gathering and reception will be held at the Moose Lodge, 2158 US Hw. 2 East in Kalispell; Clara and Percy were charter members and devoted significant time and energy to the Lodge. Mama, you will be forever loved and missed! We bid you “happy trails” on your next journey.
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Beverly Larson says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at the loss of your dear Mother. It has been a long time since I have seen her, but I remember her beautiful smile and deep churkel. She was so very proud of all of you, you brought Joy to her life. Duane and I often went to their steak house and it was so good. Once they invited us and the Loutherbacks to their home for a steak fry and your Dad knew just how to cook everyone’s perfect. I think he put his thumb on the steaks to know how done they were. Once your Mom was answering the phone at Northridge Lutheran church and I came with a pot of beans and spilled them all over the floor of my car and it took several people to help me clean the car up. The next day your sweet Mama brought me a Pyrex casserole covered and in a carrier with a handle on it. I use it a lot and have not spilled any beans yet. That was a lot of years ago and each time I use it I thank God for her thoughtfulness and friendship. She is now safely with Him and your Dad, my Duane and so many of our friends. May you all have peace and comfort in the knowledge that we will all be together again some day. Love, Peace and Comfort, Bev Larson