Our hero, Noral Warren Johnson, who had his 80th birthday on May 6th, passed away on May 9, 2011. He was born in 1931 to Elmer M. and Clarice (Smelser) Johnson.
Dad attended Helena High School and then went on to graduate from Montana State College, earning his B.S. of Industrial Art in 1954.
He married Shirley Jean Mergenthaler on June 27th, 1952 at the United Methodist Church in Helena. Together they raised four children, Tracy, Naomi, Russell and Andrea.
Noral worked for his father during summer vacations from the age of 12 until being called to active duty in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers as a 2nd Lt. with the 21st Eng. Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado. Upon returning to Helena, he joined his father in the construction business. The business, Johnson Builders, Inc., continued until 1976. Noral then became a realtor for the next ten years. In 1986, Noral and Shirley moved to California where he became a superintendent in the construction business. After the California adventure, they were happy to return to Helena where Noral worked part-time during retirement. He especially enjoyed working at Costco as a food sampler and had quite a following there.
Dad was involved in many community activities, including Helena J.C.’s and was President in 1963. He helped with founding Jr. Achievement. He was a part of the Board of Directors for the Helena Chamber of Commerce in the mid-seventies. He was a member of the Helena Lion’s Club, and a 50 year member of King Solomon’s Lodge #9 AF&AM, Helena Scottish Rite Bodies and the Algeria Shrine, serving as the Recorder from 1996 to 2002. Dad was also and active member in the Belmont Ski Club beginning in 1947 until it became the Great Divide. He taught skiing to many children, became a national ski patrolman, and helped build the lodge which still has his front door. Skiing was his passion and he passed it on by teaching, coaching and driving kids countless miles to compete. He was on the ski team in college and did quite well as a jumper. He also loved to golf and played in many tournaments with his brother, Dick.
He was also and avid Carroll College Saints fan and alma mater MSU Bobcat fan. He lived for Saturday Saints home games with Bob Pennington.
Dad enjoyed hanging out with his crew drinking beer and telling lies on Tuesday night, playing poker every other week and going to the Red Room on Friday night with his Shriner friends.
Dad built a swimming pool in the backyard and once told his son that it was, “the best money I ever spent.” We all agree!
Dad had a very busy social calender and loved life. He has left a huge hole in our lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Clarice; his wife, Shirley and his son-in-law, Lyle. He is survived by his brother, Richard (Susan) Johnson of West Valley City, UT; and by his children, Tracy (David) Mabry, Nonie (Timm) Goettel, Rusty Johnson, and Andy (Mike) Knoles. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cory (Dan Hickey) and Deana Mabry, Jake (Kelsi) Dolezal, Matt (Andrea) Dolezal, Clinton Johnson, Nicki and Kody Goettel, and Kira, Lacey and Rubi Knoles; five great-grandchildren that he adored; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the whole JAKL clan.
Thanks to all of the wonderful caregivers at the VA hospital and St. Peter’s that have helped Dad through the last few years.
A visitation will be 1:00 p.m. and the family will begin receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 12 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 13 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Military and Masonic Honors to follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Please join the family and friends for a reception to follow the burial service at the church. If you would like to send a memorial, please send it to the Transportation Fund, c/o Algeria Shrine, P.O. Box 1174, Helena, MT 59624. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Arlene Bailey Hunt says
My prayers and thoughts go out to Noral”s, family for their loss of their dad. Noral was a god man and fun to be around, he will be missed by many.
Brad & Val Bender says
To Noral’s Family,
Sorry for your loss.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Dan and Sandi Benson says
Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Daryl Pearson says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dee Barfknecht says
To the whole “Johnson” clan…..I was so sorry to learn about the passing of your Dad. What a wonderful man and what a wonderful family he raised! I just wanted you to know you’ve been in my thoughts and prayers…
Love,
Dee Barfknect
Dick & Neva Porte says
Noral went through grade school, high school and MSU with us. Also we were in Jaycees together. Always remember the time Noral, Budd Williams and I went out to York to dig up trees to plant in our yards. We worked hard for what we got and would have been better off if we hadn’t stopped at the York Bar on our way home. Sorry we were out of state and missed the service. Will send a memorial to the Shrine Transportation Fund.
Helen Richter says
To the Johnson family
I was sorry to learn that Noral passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
God Bless you
Helen Richter
Jane LaMoure says
Hey old neighbors – I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great guy, always smiling and teasing and he was always so positive! I have very fond memories of him and your mom. My sincerest sympathy to you all during this difficult time.
Jeremy & Tiffani Trueax says
Thinking of you all right now as you celebrate the life of a great man. May God Bless you and give you peace as you enjoy your memories.
Joyce Inchauspe says
Tracy, Andy, Noni, Rusty and your families. He was such a shining light, and he will be missed by so many people that he touched. My deepest sympathies.
Love Joyce
Margie Rabdau says
Sorry you lost your brother, Dick…remembering the good times we had with Shirley & him in Bozeman.
Mark Annas says
Tracy-
To you and your family….prayers and thoughts on the passing of a good man. The miles our folks drove to get us knuckleheads to skiing events! Bless Him, Bless You.c
Mr Mrs GG Rowe says
There are no words to say that will foe fill or comfort you at this difficult time. We are praying for you and your family and I want you to know I am hear to listen, anytime. Love to you and your family, Lori and Greg Rowe
Nina Martello says
Tracy and family: I was sorry to hear of your fathers passing. What a wonderful dad you had and you can be so proud of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. He will always be with you as your ‘guardian angel’ God Bless you Nina
Phil and Wendy Dolan says
To All of the Johnson family.
We were saddened to hear of Noral’s passing. May your good memories help heal your broken hearts. Thinking of you all. God Bless,
Phil, Wendy and girls
Randy Routzahn says
I am sorry to hear your father passing away. I will always remember him skiing and smiling coming down the hill. He was a really great guy. Our prayers are with you. Randy, Lisa and Tanner
TOBY AND MARLENE DAVIS says
TRACY,NONI,RUSTY,ANDY – WE ARE SADDEN BY YOUR LOSS. HE WAS A GOOD MAN. WE WILL MISS SEEING ABOUT TOWN. TALK WITH LATER.
True Hart says
Sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Andy, when things settle down,call me 461-7377