Curtis Johnson, 78

On Dec. 30, 2013, Curtis Johnson “entered into the courts of heaven to see his Savior face to face.” He died peacefully at Expressions Memory Care, his family by his side, having lived with the effects of a stroke for two years.

Curtis was born Feb. 11, 1935, in Rugby, N.D. to Henning and Christine Johnson. He was raised in Silva, N.D. until moving to Kalispell in the 1950s. He met his wife of 51 years, JoAnne Krause, and they were married in Kalispell on April 7, 1962. Curtis and JoAnne raised their two daughters, Tammy and Pam, while starting up their construction business that continued for 27 years. The family remembers fondly living in basements of homes being built by him. In 1972, Curt realized his dream of farming and purchased acreage from his aunt and uncle, Ted and Ethel Borgen. He thoroughly enjoyed his days of sowing and reaping, along with raising his beloved Herefords.

His retirement days included mission trips to Africa and Bolivia, and creating a second home in Yuma, Ariz., that included lots of sunshine, golf and friendship.

Curtis was baptized, confirmed and held leadership positions in the Lutheran church. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at the time of his death. His faith was the absolute source of strength and peace his entire life.

Curtis is survived by JoAnne; Aaron and Tammy Jordt and daughters, Sydney and Clem, and Cedar; Ken and Pam Kloeckl and sons Curt, Zane and Brock; and two siblings, Myron Johnson and Darlene Kaser. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church with a lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest memorials be made to Friends of Hospice, 29 Second St. E., Kalispell, MT, 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Curtis’ family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Curtis’ tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.