Vernon Johnson, 93

Vernon Johnson lived on this earth for 93 years. Most of his life was spent being a cowboy and a farmer; however, people were drawn to Dad because he was a man of such humble integrity. He didn’t preach virtues or the things he believed in, he lived them. Those who knew him appreciated his subtle humor, his way of simplifying things, and respected the way he lived his very full life.

On March 22, 1922, Dad was born to N.E. and Minnie Johnson. He was the youngest of five children — his sisters Mabel Grosswiler and Thelma Fransen, and his brothers, Wilfred and Floyd Johnson. His parents bought the place on what is now Stillwater Road in 1916. His elementary school was Stillwater and his favorite thing about school was being able to ride his horse there. Growing up, he learned the value of hard work and a love of all animals, especially horses.  

He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1941. During his senior year he was the president of the FFA. His favorite teacher was Henry Robinson and he helped shape our dad. It was through the guidance of Mr. Robinson that Dad decided to be a farmer.

The Stillwater community used to gather at a community hall. It was there that Vernon’s mother encouraged him to ask that cute little Tutvedt girl to dance. That was the beginning of the romance between Vernon and Thelma May Tutvedt. They were married in 1946. Sept. 20 they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Vernon was a farmer and also raised cattle. While living and working on the farm they were blessed with three children, Debra Jane, Brent Ervin and Brenda Sue.

Lots of men in our valley learned the value of hard work by working for Dad. Dad knew that a boy became a man through hard days of bucking bales, hauling irrigation pipe and learning to value yourself through what you have accomplished. Even in his ‘90s Dad still had people visit him that worked for him in their younger years.  

Vernon was a director at Equity Supply for 18 years, served on the board of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) for 15 years, was a past Master of the Stillwater Grange and Flathead Pomona Grange and a 4-H leader. His entire life Dad went to church. He was born and raised in the Presbyterian Church. As newlyweds, they were members of Stillwater Lutheran Church and in the ‘60s they joined Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He was an active member as well as serving on the church council. It was at Bethlehem that Dad became friends with the pastor, Peder Waldum. That was a friendship that shaped both of them. For many summers they took off for a week and rode horses and camped in Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. For anyone that traveled with them it was a cherished memory. Pastor Waldum’s pictures of those trips graced our walls and Dad’s memory banks for the rest of his days. He could still tell you every trail, every destination and every horse.

In the ‘80s Vernon and Thelma bought a place in Mesa, Arizona, and became snowbirds and, instead of working every day, Dad decided to take up a hobby and he learned to golf. For the next 20 years they wintered in Arizona and were members of Victory Lutheran. Mom swam and hiked and Dad golfed and they played bridge and they collected friends and made memories.

In 2001, after living in the same home in Montana for 80 years, Dad and Mom sold part of the farm and built a home in Village Greens. There Dad enjoyed playing golf, watching the view from their living room window of the Rocky Mountains, and on sunny days a peek into Glacier Park. Mom and Dad spent their days being grateful for this beautiful life, each other, their family, their many cherished friends, and the assurance of God’s eternal grace.

Dad passed away Sept. 9, 2015, with his bride holding his hand and listening to her words of love and encouragement, the voices of their children and the prayers of countless people who loved and respected him.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dan Snyder; all of his brothers and sisters; brother-in-law, Dick Knox; sisters-in-law, Sharon Tutvedt, Shirley Tutvedt and Doris Knox; and his nephew, Kenny Fransen, who spent all of his summers with our parents from kindergarten through his senior year in high school.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Thelma; daughter, Debbie; Brent, his wife Janice, their children Jason (three children), Joshua (five children) and Brock Johnson. He is also survived by his daughter, Brenda, and her husband, Kelly Bernard, and their two children, Cassandra (two children) and Brandon Bernard; also by Lea Fransen and their children Tyler and Jessica (and two children). He is survived by Thelma’s brothers, Paul Tutvedt and Harold Tutvedt; and by a host of cherished nieces and nephews.

Vernon’s oldest grandson, Jason, said it the best when asked what it was like to be Vernon’s grandson, “Well, he was my hero.”

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mark Gravrock officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials can be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp or hospice.