Walli H. Johnson, age 95, of Helena, passed away November 1, 2025.
Walli Hedwig Johnson (nee Foerster) was born March 6, 1930 in Berlin, Germany to Heinrich and Helene Foerster, youngest of three children.
She attended grade school in Berlin and she and her sister, Ingerorg, grew up during World War Two. Her mother died in 1943. Her brother was killed in action during the war; her father was forced to go to Kiel to help repair warships. Walli and Inge were forced to go to work as housemaids to survive and could not further their educations. Fortunately, they were taken in by a loving aunt. There were many shortages during the war, including food.
During the mid-50’s, Walli worked in a factory that made paper office supplies.
In 1958, Walli came to America, mostly out of curiosity, she says. She was sponsored by Thomas C. Power and helped care for six children and a large house.
In 1959, Walli met Al Johnson, and they were married on June 17, 1960, in the old First Lutheran Church on Rodney by Pastor Baumann.
Her sister, Inge, came to Helena in 1963, and was her only living sibling until her death in 2001.
Walli continued to do housework on her own after her marriage and became an Avon Representative in 1967.
Walli was a member of Avon’s President’s Club and Honor Society and won many awards for sales in her district. She stopped selling Avon in 2009.
Walli joined First Lutheran Church in 1959. She was a member of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and served as local treasurer for a time. She and her sister attended many international and district conventions.
She enjoyed going to the church early to make coffee for the fellowship hour and to make sure there were plenty of cookies. She also served regularly as an usher. She loved to sew when she was younger. She also enjoyed playing mini golf, listening to music, reading the bible and watching tv, especially sports.
She had many dear friends at First Lutheran Church who helped care for her.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 at First Lutheran Church followed by a reception at the church. Burial will be held Nov. 12, 2025 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison with her husband.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 11, 2025
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday November 11, 2025
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Wednesday November 12, 2025
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 11, 2025
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday November 11, 2025
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Wednesday November 12, 2025
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Mary Ann Gregory says
Praising the Lord is what Walli did best. What an amazing gift from God. She is now in heaven with all the saints before her.
Tammy S says
Walli was one of my clients over 25 years ago. She was such a joy to be around! She told me all sorts of stories of her life and I was always in awe of her resilience and her zest for life. May she rest in peace.