Laurence “Les” Johnson passed away on June 18th, 2013 in Helena, Montana at the age of 85. Les was a loving and devoted husband, and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lorraine Johnson; his children Kathryn Ferrie, Lauren Hubele, David Johnson, and Joseph Johnson; his grandchildren Erin Miller, Molly LaChere, Meghan and Kate Teich, Amanda Tillie, Brett, and Joey Johnson, and Sebastian Hubele; and his great-grandchildren Quinn Ferrie, Ryleigh Isbell, Aiden Bruner, and Kevin, Carly, TJ, and Marcella LaChere.
Les was born on August 7, 1927 in Sturgis, South Dakota to Maurice and Tillie Johnson. During World War II, he joined the Army, serving in Japan and participating in the opening of the original United Nations in San Francisco. After the war, he returned to the San Francisco Bay Area and went on to a career in iron work, helping construct such legendary projects as the Transamerica Pyramid, BART and parts of the Bay Bridge, all while raising a family with the love of his life – Lorraine. An avid sports fan, as well as a baseball and basketball coach, he was a steadfast supporter of the San Francisco 49ers, even after the family settled at a small farm in Dixon, California. In Dixon, Les was the unofficial mayor and a leader of his faith community as a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus at St. Peter’s Church. Les never met a stranger – his sharp wit, gentle demeanor, and unfailing kindness charmed everyone he ever encountered.
A rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 24 at Our Lady of the Valley Church, 1502 Shirley Rd. Helena, Montana. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 12:00 pm. A funeral reception will be held following the Mass in the social hall at the church. Burial with military honors will take place 2:30 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday June 24, 2013
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 25, 2013
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the funeral service
Tuesday June 25, 2013
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 25, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Monday June 24, 2013
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Service
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 25, 2013
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the funeral service
Tuesday June 25, 2013
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd.
Helena , Montana 59602
Graveside Service
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 25, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
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JoAnne Canney says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, would love to visit Lorraine but don’t know when is a good time. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
The peace of Jesus be with all of you.
JoAnne
Charli Mills says
It is true that Les never met a stranger. When I graduated from Carroll College with his daughter, Kate, he treated me just as he did her–like a loving, proud father. I was so touched by his respect and kindness. But then again, I know Kate, her children and grandchildren and can say that he modeled love well. I also know how much they loved him and miss him. My prayers are also with his dear wife, who has sadly lost her life-long love. May the peace of God be with you all with the passing of Les who has just gone home before us. Until we all meet again in our Father’s home.
Rick Medeiros says
I am so sorry at your loss, Kate, Molly, Gerald and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you with all the strength and comfort that He will provide for you at this time. Trust in God’s promise that He is with us always and especially when we grieve for a loved one. Peace and consolation to you.
William ( Bill ) Scott says
Les was a big help to a flegeling Agriculture teacher. Always there for good advise. My fondest memory is returning from the National FFA Conference with David (age 19) and asking him if he liked the MidWestern beers that David had brought back for his collection with my help. He laughed and said ” David is the one who collects beers”.