Wesley Milton Johnson passed away peacefully on June 7, 2016 and has joined his beloved wife Luella in heaven. Wesley was born on November 12, 1927 in the Lessor Township of Minnesota to William and Amanda Johnson and was baptized and confirmed in rural McIntosh, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm and after completing service in the army in 1953, he headed out to Montana for the first time in 1954. He worked on various farms and ranches in the Conrad area.
Wesley met his wife Luella in Minnesota, she was a Depot Agent and he was driving south in a bad blizzard and stopped at her Depot, for him it was love at first sight. Wesley and Luella Albers were married on September 9, 1961. After working on 6 missile bases for Boeing for 9 years, Wesley & Luella started a Sears Catalog Store in Conrad in 1970 and operated that business for 23 years. Wesley also drove bus for Conrad School District for 22 years.
Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 42 years, Luella Laura Albers. He is survived by his daughters Laurie (Ryan) Hanson of Helena, MT and Wendy Johnson of Bloomington, MN, grandsons Gus and Quinn Hanson, brothers Lester (Kaye) of Polson, MT, Gary (Candace) of Elk River, MN, and sister Janice (Jim) Rude of Deerwood, MN. He also had nieces and nephews that were very special to him.
Wes just recently was presented with a certificate for 60 years of continuous membership in The American Legion, a recognition he was very proud of. He liked to tinker and could fix anything using duct tape, his favorite. He enjoyed gardening and had a passion for old tractors. He will be missed not only by his family who loved him so much, but also by all of the people he came in contact with throughout his lifetime.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is being planned for June 22nd at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Falls, MT with a lunch reception following. A memorial and burial will be at a later date this summer at Trinity Faith Cemetery in Fergus Falls, MN. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in Wesley’s name to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney, Suite 102 Helena, MT 59601 or a Veteran’s organization of your choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Wes.
Traci and Jeff Swingley says
Thinking of you and sending love. An amazing daughter you have been, my friend! I am proud of your tireless commitment and dedication to your father. God bless.
Mary Pfeifer says
I will never forget the time he trapped and kept two squirrels as pets! He had a great sense of humour and will be missed! Sending love and prayers to Laurie and Wendy and family.
Michele Herrington says
Wes was a dear friend. Such a zest for life and an interest in others. He had my friends who were visiting sign a little book when they dropped by. He could have a conversation with anyone. And so funny! I will miss you, dear Wes.
Michele
Charmaine Schaack Divens says
I have fond memories of this loving man. He always acted a little gruff but was always the kindest man with a sharp sense of humor. May love and peace blanket your hearts, Wendy and Laurie.
Carolyn M Widhalm says
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, Wes. I rented the little house next door to Wes and Luella for several years. I remember one or both of my sons put wood glue on his green and white pickup. He was a little upset, but we managed to wash it off. I worked for your Mom and Dad at the Sears store for awhile. He was a very good boss. My Mom thought alot of him also. She would greet him when she saw him in the grocery store. He was a gentle man and loved your Mother very much. I remember your little dog, Penny, and when they had to put him(her) down. Your Dad would always visit with me when I saw him at the grocery store. I have fond memories of you Laurie and Wendy as playmates for Carol. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Laurie and Wendy, at this difficult time. You have many good memories to help you thru this. It isn’t easy.
Lisa Thompson says
Al and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father always had a kind word when we would ride or drive the mules by and stop for a chat. May the good memories and stories help you through this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Julie (Vatthauer)Ford says
My thoughts and prayers are with your families during this time of sorrow. Laura and Wendy your parents meant a lot to our family. I always enjoyed their Christmas cards. My Mom always enjoyed the phone calls from your Dad. I was home in May and we made a trip to Lessor township and visited you Dad’s home place. I have many fond memories of visiting there.