“Life is a journey” Lori
Dolores (Lori) M. Johnson age 81, was taken by the angels to be with Jesus on Monday, February 4, 2013 after a short courageous battle from Glioblastoma. Many more special memories were made in these few weeks.
Lori was born on September 7, 1931 to John & Dora Heide in Glendive, MT. She joined brother Robert Heide and sister Betty (Eng) at the family farm that was acquired through the Homestead Act in Circle, Mt. When Lori was 5 the family moved to Polson. They later moved to Boulder, MT in 1937. In 1944, brother John Heide completed the family. Lori attended Jefferson High School and was active as a cheerleader, was a Varsity Basketball player starting as a freshman, and held the honors of the Junior Prom Queen. She graduated in 1950. When she was in high school she met the love of her life Wesley Johnson, who had visited the Boulder area with his brother Melvin from Owanka, South Dakota. Wes and Lori were married on September 10, 1950. A few days after their marriage Wes received orders from the Army to report to Fort Lewis, Washington. Their first child, Dianne was born on September 2, 1951. After release from the Army the family moved to Owanka South Dakota where Michael was born on April 22, 1953. Shortly after, a move was made to the Helena valley. Mark was born on July 29, 1954 and Debra on September 5, 1955. In 1954 Wes and Lori started and operated the Johnson Dairy in the Helena Valley until they retired in 1988. In 1968 son Michael died as a result of a motorcycle accident. After spending almost 56 wonderful years together Wesley passed away in May of 2006.
Lori was an active member and 4-H leader for thirty years. Lori took great pride in her flower patch and landscaping, making her large yard a masterpiece.
Within her warm welcoming home she loved baking, and she was most famous for her caramel-corn, potato salad, and puddings. In her late seventies Lori decided to take on oil painting and painted beautiful scenic pictures. Another passion was writing poems and stories of her life adventures. She crocheted many potholders and dish clothes for all. In addition to her hobbies she treasured her time with all her children and grandchildren, yet she also showed her love with so many relatives and special friends ~ she loved God and life to the fullest with never a negative comment, only love and compassion for all. She impacted the lives of many people in a very positive way, even in a brief encounter. She will be deeply missed by everybody she touched in her journey through life.
Lori was above all a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.
Lori was preceded in Death by: Husband Wes; Son Mike; Sister Betty Eng; Brother Robert; Parents John & Dora Heide, Niece Paula Heide
She is survived by: Brother John (Nancy) Heide of Boulder. Children: Dianne (Leonard) Vanek of Silesia, Mark (Kathy) Johnson of Helena, & Debbie (Brian) Patzer of Helena. Grandchildren: Dorianne (Cam) Minkoff- Brown, Michael (Flora) Minkoff, Mike (Mardi) Vanek, Michelle (Nate) Carpenter, Dan (Ashley) Vanek, Pam Vanek, Jessica Johnson, Keven Patzer, Heide (Gregg) Marlenee. Great Grandchildren: Ewan, Kalia, Ambrose, Gigi Brown, Grant & Braden Minkoff, Tanner & Kade Vanek, Tucker, Kallie, and Cash Carpenter, Charlee Marlenee and brother In-law Robert Eng of Bozeman.
The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Funeral services celebrating Lori’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2013 at the First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Avenue. A reception will follow the service in the gymnasium of the church. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery at approximately 2:15 p.m. Memorials in Lori’s name are suggested to the Paula Heide Project Fund c/o of First Boulder Bank, PO BOX 207, Boulder, MT 59632, or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Lori.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday February 7, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 8, 2013
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday February 8, 2013
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Burial
Approximately 2:00 p.m.
Friday February 8, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens
205 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday February 7, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 8, 2013
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday February 8, 2013
First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Burial
Approximately 2:00 p.m.
Friday February 8, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens
205 9th Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Susan Sabol says
I am thinking about all of you at this difficult time! God Bless you all…
Melissa Brown Munson says
Lori was a true role model of love and kindness for us all. We were always made to feel welcome in her presence and a part of her family. Her loving way towards our children — as if they were her own great grandchildren — meant so very much to us.
Please know that we are thinking of you all, and remembering Lori’s wonderful spirit.
Love,
The Munsons
Evan Eck says
Keven and Heide
So sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. I remember her coming to some of our hockey games, Keven. Know that you and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Huntington (McGowan) says
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I will always remember her kind heart. May God bless your family. Peggy
TeriAnn Vejtasa says
Our condolences to your family at the loss of Lori. I remember visiting at Wes & Lori’s some 40+ years ago as a teenager with my parents, when we also visited John & Dora (my Dad, Edward R. Heide, was a first cousin to John). I last saw Lori in 2008 at the little Heide reunion here in Circle.
Lori was a wonderful person. Forever cherish the memories, poems, stories, and all that she shared with you.
May God grant you comfort and blessings. My thoughts and prayers are with you too.
Sincerely,
TeriAnn Vejtasa
(for Mom, Olive Heide, too)
Circle, Montana
Kittie O'Leary LaFazia says
Diane I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. I have so many memories of her from the time on the dairy so many years ago. She was a wonderful lady and I’ll always remember her kindness. My prayers and best wishes for you all Kittie O’Leary
Judy Patterson says
Diane, Mark, Debbi and families. Our sympathy goes out to you. I remember Aunt Lori as a positive, energetic woman who could brighten anyone’s day. May God comfort you in your sorrow.
Your cousin Judy