Dora May Johnson Lindner, beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt went to be with the Lord on February 15, 2023 at the age of 58. Dora was surrounded by family at her time of passing after a six-month battle with cancer.
Dora was born on May 30, 1964 in Helena to Melvin and Edna Johnson. She was raised on her family farm in East Helena with five brothers and seven sisters. She had many adventures growing up there. She loved to spend time with her siblings by the pond, riding bikes, playing with friends, taking care of animals, and going for ice cream cones.
She attended school in East Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1982. Dora graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Secondary Education from Western Montana College in Dillon in 1988.
Dora had a passion for teaching. Shortly after graduating college, she taught junior high mathematics in Huntington Park, California for 2 years before moving back to Helena. Dora was a substitute teacher for the Helena School District for over 30 years and taught night school at the Adult Learning Center for many years. She was fond of her students and loved to share stories of her time teaching.
Dora married the love of her life, Michael Lindner, in 1989. They began a beautiful and loving life together and raised three girls, Emily, Bethany, and Katie. They also had a son, Matthew, who died in infancy. Dora and Mike shared many adventures and great memories during their time together. They loved to take road trips and explore new places.
One of Dora’s favorite hobbies was planting and tending to her garden. She grew various fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Dora spent countless hours outside weeding and watering. She graciously shared her produce with friends and family. She loved canning her beets and making jams. Dora was a wonderful cook and blessed her family with delicious home-made meals and baked goods. She was busy in the kitchen baking cookies, pies, and cakes for every family occasion.
Dora lived an active life. She bowled in a league for over 30 years and enjoyed going to Zumba. She loved hiking with her family and dogs, Boomer, Hanna, and Hidey. She enjoyed bike riding, cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding, and she tolerated camping. She loved getting together with family for cards and board games. Dora played the piano and was an avid photographer. She was a lifelong member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church and loved to teach Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and assist with the Altar Guild.
Dora was involved in 4-H as a kid and was a cherished leader while her own kids participated. She took many photos for Lewis and Clark County 4-H and spent countless hours volunteering for projects, camps, and the fair. She also enjoyed watching her family’s sporting events and band concerts.
Dora had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. She always giggled while telling funny stories. Dora was an extremely thoughtful person and gave so much for the people she loved, without expecting anything in return. She impacted many lives during her time with us and she will be greatly missed. We will remember her beautiful blue eyes, her easy-going nature, and her contagious laugh. The world has been a better place for having her in it.
Dora was preceded in death by her son, Matthew; her parents: Melvin and Edna Johnson; her siblings: Donald (Renee) Johnson and Alice Lewis; her in-laws: Dickie Stein, Ed Molyneaux, and Kurt and Lucille Lindner; her nephew, Zachary Fowler; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dora is survived by her loving husband, Michael; her daughters: Emily, Bethany, and Katie; her siblings: Bitsy Stein, Margaret (Vern) Miller, Carol Molyneaux, Tom Johnson, Cindy (Jimmy) Wollenberg, David (Brenda) Johnson, Steve Johnson, Ed (Millie) Johnson, Lora Johnson, and Melva Fowler; in-laws: Judy (Carl) McCluskey and Dick Lewis; her aunts: Carolyn Tintinger and Dee Tintinger; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to all of the people who cared for Dora during her battle with cancer. The caregivers showed tremendous compassion for Dora and her family.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church at 3580 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59602 with a reception to follow. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery following the reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lewis and Clark County 4-H Foundation for a scholarship fund in Dora’s name. Checks can be mailed to 100 West Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 25, 2023
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday February 25, 2023
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday February 25, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 25, 2023
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Saturday February 25, 2023
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday February 25, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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J Peck says
I am so very sorry. I think the world of her and all of you.
Kerry (Krieger) Logan says
I am so sorry to hear of Dora’s passing. She always had a smile to share and was just a wonderful person. My thoughts are with Mike, their girls, and the whole Johnson family. Love and hugs…
chryl POORE says
Mike and girls and the Johnson family.
I am so sorry about Dora, that you all had to go through this and pray that her sweet spirit will mingled with your memories of such a beautiful person. Her life’s journey, her laugh and her sweetness will continue to warm the hearts of everyone that had the privilege to know her.
I for one, will miss those fabulous cookies that she made…so yummy…she knew just the right amount of sweetness to add to them.
She now is baking for the King!
God bless and let me know if I can help in any way.
Love, cousin Cheri!
Paul & Marla Mousseau says
Mike and your girls,
May God’s Mercy shine on Dora’s soul and
May His peace be with you.
Teresa KelleyBrewer says
Dora was such an inspiration at all the 4H events, always encouraging, always involved! I know the boys just loved her and loved that she came to all their graduation parties. Her sense of humor and smile just brightened the room. She will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike and the girls.
Claudia Davis says
Loved getting to know Dora on Tuesday nights at the bowling alley. She will be missed.
Michelle, Jamie & Cole Lingenfelter says
We are so sorry to hear of Dora’s passing. I have fond memories of her at softball and East Helena school events. I pray your memories bring you peace
VONNIE JENKINS says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Sheehy says
So sorry to hear of Dora’s passing. I have many fond memories of the old Johnson ranch. Thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Gary Johnson says
So sorry to lose such a beautiful cousin Blessed be her memory ❤️❤️
Tom Stanton says
Dora was an amazing and incredibly positive person. I knew her through her husband Mike Linder who was a former co-worker of mine. Some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Perfect examples of what a Christian and true friend should be like. My co-workers still talk about Mike and what a fantastic person he was to work with. Everyone at work supports and stands behind Mike and his family during this unexpected and challenging hardship.
Greg and Cathy (Pullin) Kovich says
Have known the Johnson family all my life and was sorry to hear of Dora’s passing. May the many wonderful memories of such a large family replace your sorry as the days pass. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Doris Copenhaver says
Search a Shock To hear of Dora’s passing. I taught with her at the adult learning center and have substituted with her throughout the years. She was a gentle soul and a great math teacher. She was too young and had so much more to give Blessings and prayers to all her family