Cleve Ellis Johnson, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud Montanan, was received into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, April 17, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. He passed quickly and peacefully from complications of pneumonia. He was 77 years old.
Born on February 28, 1948, in Great Falls, Montana, Cleve was one of three sons of Raymond and Bertha Johnson. Raised with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the values of hard work and integrity, he carried those qualities throughout his life and career. He dedicated 36 years of service to the State of Montana, where his steady presence, strong work ethic, and dedication made a lasting impact in protecting the fire safety of our health care facilities.
A man of faith and service, Cleve was a proud member of Council 844 of the Knights of Columbus in Helena. He served as Grand Knight from 1983 to 1985, offering leadership and fellowship to his brother Knights and living out the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity.
Cleve shared 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Eileen Johnson (Ries), building a life together grounded in love, resilience, and family. Together they raised three sons: Kevin, Dennis, and Brent. He was a proud and loving father who cherished time spent with his family, whether prospecting in the mountains, fishing a quiet stream, or camping under Montana’s big sky.
He was preceded in death by his son Brent, his parents Raymond and Bertha, and his brother Qulan. He is survived by his wife Eileen, sons Kevin (Katie) and Dennis Johnson-BigSam (Brian), his brother Quentin, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss his warmth, wit, and unwavering love.
Cleve’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A rosary service will be Thursday, April 24, 2025, 6:00pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at the Cathedral of St. Helena on a Friday, April 25, 2025 at Noon with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the Montana Food Bank Network or American Cancer Society.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 24, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday April 25, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Friday April 25, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 24, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday April 25, 2025
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Friday April 25, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sara Weise says
I have so many memories of Cleve. My whole childhood it was the Smiths and the Johnsons. Family vacations, week, camping trips at Canyon Ferry, picking raspberries oh so many raspberriess, and all those weekends at Legendary Lodge repairing cabins with the Knights of Columbus. My all-time favorite memory of Cleve will always be when Larry talked Cleve into riding the roller coaster at Lagoon. Cleve was fine until they did the first big drop and then all you could hear was him screaming “Smith, you son of a bitch!” I will never forget it. Cleave was a wonderful human and he will be missed.
Bill & Wilda says
Please know we are thinking of you, and are so very sorry for your loss.
Keith Kolstad says
My heartfelt condolences to the family on the passing of Cleve. In remembering Cleve I can celebrate the years we worked together. Cleve was a guiding light to me as my supervisor and tutored me over the years to be the best I could be. He got me interested in panning for gold and we both shared the outdoor spirit. When he retired I sorely missed his mentoring and especially his friendship on a daily basis. I alway tried to keep in contact with him over holidays and the summer months. I was sadden to hear of his passing but my memories of our lasting relationships, both personal and professional, are cherished. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Koenig Laverdiere says
Eileen and Family, I am so sorry for your loss of a husband and father.
You are in my prayers.
Kathy McGowan says
Eileen, I just learned! I’m sorry. I always think of him with that happy face.
Ed and Sue Standley says
Eileen, You’re in our hearts and thoughts. We’ve enjoyed being neighbors with you and Cleve for lots of years.