Andrew 'Andy' Gustaf Johnson, 91

Andrew "Andy" Gustaf Johnson, 91, of Whitefish, passed peacefully away on Monday, May 4, 2009, while sitting in his chair watching television.

Andy was born on Nov. 15, 1917, in Wain, Neb., to Andrew and Hulda Swanson Johnson. The family moved to Little Falls and then to Brainard, Minn., where Andy resided until 1939.

Andy had a very strong work ethic, something which started as a young child and continued throughout his entire life. The only thing stronger than his work ethic was his devotion to his family. Andy quit school after the eighth grade so he could work odd jobs to help his family. He always regretted only having an eighth grade education, but what he lacked in education he made up for in common sense and experience.

In 1934, when he was 17, Andy lied about his age so he could join the Civilian Conservation Corps. He chose the Corps after learning he couldn't join the service because he was color blind. Andy stayed in the Conservation Corps until 1936 when he lost his hearing as a result of a broken eardrum. After that he went to work on a farm in Indiana.

In 1939, Andy's older brothers, Aenard and Elmer, moved to Whitefish. Andy followed shortly after with his other brother, Arvid, his mother and father and his baby sister, and the family started farming and ranching on Whitefish Stage Road.

Not long after moving to Whitefish Andy started dating his future bride, Lora Jean England. When she moved to Spokane to attend business school, Andy followed her. While in Spokane he held many different jobs, including driving a cement truck and a city bus. Andy and Jean were married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Sept. 12, 1942. It was while they were living in Spokane that they had their first child, Richard "Dick" Arvid Johnson.

In 1945 they moved back to Whitefish and Andy went to work in the woods. In 1947 he started working for the Great Northern Railroad. He loved his job and remained there until he retired. It was also in that year that they had their second child, a daughter named Cheryl Ann. In 1951 another son, Darryl Ray, was born and another son, Andrew Lane, followed in 1954. And last but not least, in 1957 the twins, Ronald Dean and Rhonda Jean were born. It was after the twins that Andy started being called double shot, so they decided not to have any more kids, figuring six was probably enough.

Andy was a very hard-working man who rarely took a vacation. When he wasn't working he enjoyed throwing horseshoes, dancing, playing cards, shooting pool and hunting and fishing. He loved traveling with his wife, seeing new things and meeting many new friends along the way.

Andy never saw a difference in people and genuinely cared about everyone. He would gladly give his last dollar to someone who needed it more than him. We have been so fortunate to have such a wonderful man in our lives as our father, grandfather, brother, husband, uncle and friend. Andy was loved by all and will be missed by so many.

Andy was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife of 59 years, Lora; his brothers, David, Aenard and Elmer; and his sister, Ann.

He is survived by his brother, Arvid Johnson, of Kalispell; and sisters, Evelyn Hanson of Indiana, and Ruby Dodge of Rollins. He is also survived by his children, Dick and his wife, Diane, of Rathdrum, Idaho, Cheryl and her husband, Bill Frye, of Whitefish, Darryl Ray and his wife, Cinna, of Honduras, Lane and his wife, Lynn, of Kalispell, Ronald and his wife, Lori, of Whitefish, and Rhonda and her friend, Carla Shanks, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; as well as 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at Austin Funeral Home, with graveside services to follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens.