Johanna Dandro passed away May 6, 2011 with her family at her side.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Warren “Red” Dandro, her son David Dandro, and her daughter Donna Wenger.
She went by many names – Johanna, Jo, Mrs. Dandro, Mom and Granny. All of which she would respond to with her signature smile, chuckle and twinkle in her eyes.
She was born to Fred and Anne Herold on January 30, 1918 in Little Buffalo Creek near Clancy (delivered by her own father). She saw and experienced many things during her 93 years – attending a board school in Missoula to allow her to continue her education, surviving the earthquake in 1935, attending classes in railroad boxcars, graduating as valedictorian of Helena High School in 1937. She received a scholarship to a Montana university, something rare and exceptional for a woman during that time. She married her soul mate Warren Dandro. They had five wonderful children: David (Mary Lee) Dandro, Douglas (Andee) Dandro, Delores Lehman, Darlene (Neil) Horne, and Donna Wenger.
While being the mother to the “Dandro kids” she enjoyed feeding the neighbor kids that always managed to show up for dinner. In her spare time, she also baked pies for the RB Drive In and sold encyclopedias. She was especially proud of her daughters’ dance and musical abilities, attending many dance and music recitals over the years. Granny continued to support the family as they grew, attending more motocross races and o-mok-sees than you could count. As her children grew, she added to her many accomplishments by working at the USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for over twenty years until her retirement.
Her most prized possessions were her family, which grew to include ten grandchildren – Dianne (Tom) Biekke, Darla Dandro (Ron Diaz), Doug Dandro, Linda Lehman, Mark (JoLinda) Lehman, Paul (Justine) Lehman, Dean (Diane) Olsen, Angie (Jeff) Petrosky, Lisa Wenger, Lance (Wendy) Wenger and twelve great-grandchildren – Claire, Michelle, Dani, Sidney, Jayce, Jay, Brad, Maddi, Mandi, Tyler, Katylin, and Ashley. Throughout her life she blessed the lives of many; she was caring, selfless and loving. While her family will miss her dearly we are happy she gets to spend from now until forever with the love of her life.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Waterford and the St. Peter’s medical floor nurses for taking such wonderful care of Granny. There will be a memorial reception at the Waterford (Forum) on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 1:30 pm for family and friends.
To share a condolence or share a memory of Johanna, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Sonja Synness Vick says
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Rita Tenneson says
I would like to send my love to Jo’s family. She was such a lively and fun lady to be with. I enjoyed all the times with her and Anne (Ted especially liked to tease Anne about politics and Jo would just laugh and laugh). There were some great and special times. My thoughts are with you. As I will be in Flagstaff I won’t be there to join the celebration of Jo’s wonderful life – but I will be there in my heart. Much love and hugs. Rita Tenneson
Maddi & Peter Tormey says
Granny,
I am so happy that you are finally at peace and spending time with your beloved husband. I just want you to know that you are loved by so many and we miss you.
Love Maddi & Peter
Jody Sandru says
Another remarkable lady we have lost. I like to think Jo, Ann, and Margaret are reunited and having a great time together in heaven with the rest of the family. Thinking of all of you as you say goodbye to your beautiful mother. Our love, sympathy, and prayers are sent to each of you.