Arle O. 'Swede' Johnson, 95

Arle O. "Swede" Johnson, 95, of Polson, died on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Swede was born on Feb. 9, 1912, in Dayton, to Oscar and Mary Johnson. He grew up and attended elementary school in Dayton and graduated from Polson High School.

In 1933, he married Bessie Mallory. She passed away in 1972.

After working for a few years at Cline Motors in Polson, Swede started working for Mallory Grocery Store, which he purchased and operated until his retirement in 1969. He also served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.

On April 27, 1977, Swede married Marie McNally Smith.

He loved to fish, hunt, play cribbage, bridge and visit with people. Swede was a charter member of the Mission Valley Elks Club No. 1695.

Swede is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, two sisters and three brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Marie, of Polson; his two sons, Elliott Johnson and his wife, Hattie, and Bryce Johnson and his wife, Ardith, all of Polson; two stepsons, Bob Smith and his wife, Kathy, of Pablo, and Brian A. Smith and his wife, Julie, of Polson; and a stepdaughter, Lucille Prenevost and her husband, Bill, of Monroe, Wash. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 at the Grogan Funeral Home with Swede's nephew, Father Michael Mallory Smith, officiating. Interment with military honors will be held at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will be held after the services.

Memorials may be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter or to the Polson City Library, or donor's choice.

Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.