Melvin Vincent Johnson, beloved husband, father and great-great grandfather, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 18, 2011 at the age of 91.
Mel was born August 28, 1919, to Oliver and Bertha Johnson in Owanka, S.D. His parents homesteaded in the Owanka area in 1902, and Mel graduated from Owanka High School at the age of 16. After high school, Mel and a cousin traveled through Montana on the way to the coast in search of work. The train they were on stopped in Butte where Mel was offered and took a job with the Railroad working on the Amazon Tunnel at Wickes. Later he worked as a ranch hand in the Boulder Valley for the Knowles ranch and later as foreman of the Murphy ranch. At the outbreak of WWII he enlisted in the Army serving with the 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion and was wounded in action. Among other distinguishing medals, Mel was awarded the Purple Heart. After his discharge from the Army, he married Edna May Tintinger and attended Montana State College (MSU) where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in hydraulics.
After graduating in 1951 Melvin took a job with the United States Geological Survey in Helena. Mel and Edna purchased a small farm east of Helena where they raised 13 children and resided until October of 2006. Melvin retired from the USGS in 1977 and continued his hydrological career with self employment, Morrison-Maierle and the last 20 years for the Sultanate of Oman,Ministry of Water Resources. He finally retired from hydraulic work in 1990. In 1993 he was awarded the Arid Lands Hydraulic Engineering Award, from the American Society of Civil Engineers in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions in water resources. Mel moved to Rocky Mountain Care Center in Helena after breaking his hip in 2005.
Melvin took pleasure in being with his family and minding the farm. It was often said that Mel was outstanding in his field; they weren’t always referring to his hydraulic career, as he could always be found standing in his hayfield or garden, often wielding a shovel to redirect the irrigation water. Being involved in 4H, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens and turkeys were also a part of the farm and he took great pride in raising them. Mel enjoyed all sports including fishing and hunting; the kids especially enjoyed their time with him playing baseball, horse shoes, ping-pong, bowling and a good game of cards.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents: brothers: Glen, Chet, Oliver and Wes; sisters: Alice, Ida, Olive and Lillian; daughter and sons-in-law: Renee Johnson, Richard Stein, Edward Molyneaux; and grandson, Matthew Lindner.
Mel is survived by his wife, Edna May, children: Donald, Alice (Dick) Lewis, Bertha Stein, Margaret (Vern) Miller, Carol Molyneaux, Thomas, Cynthia (Jimmy) Wollenberg, David (Brenda), Steven, Edward (Millie), Lora, Dora (Mike) Lindner and Melva (Keith) Fowler. He is also survived by 35 grandkids, 21 great grandkids, 2 great-great grandkids, sister-in-law: Lori Johnson of Helena, and brother-in-law: Glen Jones of South Dakota, as well as, many nieces and nephews and a Partridge in a pear tree.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 24, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 25, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 1400 Stuart St.; burial will follow at Castner Falls Cemetery outside of Cascade. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Angie Johnson says
I am so blessed to have known “Grandpa J”, and my kids are very blessed to have had such a loving great grandfather. He’s plowing the fields in heaven and there’s one more shining star in the skies! Thoughts and prayers for you all
Bernadette Lahr says
Ed and family,
What a wonderful man your Dad was! You were extremely lucky to have such an incredible role model and now I know why you are such a great guy! Take care and I will keep you in my prayers, Bernadette
Brian and Candace Ahl says
Tom, Brandon, and Ed –
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything let us know.
Brian, Candace, Samantha, and Justin
Elliston, MT
Charity Rowsey says
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a great life Mel lived. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck Parrett says
I was sorry to hear about Mel’s passing. He was a mentor to me many years ago when I was a young pup engineer. He was always kind and helpful. May God bless and comfort the family.
Dan Johnson says
Carol and family I just read about Melvin this morning It was good to finally meet him just a few days ago now and I know what it is like when your Dad leaves and I am sending my thoughts your way and praying for you.
Diana Richards says
Tom and Family,
I was sorry to read of your dad’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in your memories and the fact that he is now wielding his shovel in God’s garden! God Bless you all.
Gino Dunfee (formerly Little) says
To Don and family: May memories of your dad keep him forever in your heart.
Sincerely,
Gino
Glenn & Susie Middlestead says
To all of the Johnson family,
our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. He raised one extraordinary family whom we have had the pleasure in coming to know over the years and share in family celebrations. Your father was clearly a caring, kind man with a sense of humor. We know you will be sharing many memories in the days to come and our hearts go out to you all.
Jackie Follette says
My deepest sympathy and prayers to your family. I had the pleasure of caring for Melvin for 3yrs at RMCC. He was one of my favorite rst. I was very sad to hear of his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Follette, LPN
Wolf Point, Mt 59201
Kim O. says
Carol & Family,
I’m sorry to read about you dad’s passing. My deepest sympathies. You will be held up in prayer.
Kim O.
Marlene Longfellow says
Edna Mae, Don, and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marlene
Sandi Benson says
Edna and family -I am sorry to read of Mel passing. Your in my thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring peace and understanding for all. “God Bless”
Stubby & Jody Williams says
Johnson family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. What a legacy Melvin left and kudos for the beautiful (and whimsical)obituary.
Stubby & Jody Williams
Susan Sabol says
My thoughts are with you all. Mel was a very caring and gentle man and will be missed by so many that love him.
Tal and Wendy (Murphy) Williams says
Our deepest condolences sent out to the entire Johnson family on the loss of your dad. You are all in our prayers.