Leonard O. Johnson, 99

Leonard O. Johnson, 99, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and family on Jan. 26, 2016, at the Montana Veterans Home.

He was born in Fairlawn, Saskatchewan, Canada on July 27, 1916, to Theodore and Nellie Johnson. He had seven siblings, four brothers and three sisters.

After his honorable discharge, Leonard met Mabel Tewes in Sidney. When he saw her, he said “I’m going to marry that gal,” and he did! They married on Feb. 24, 1946, and had eight children, Jim, John, Mike, Kathy, Pat, Mark and Margie (twins) and Carol. The family grew up outdoors; camping, fishing, skating, sledding, and being together. They were a very close knit family, and still are, but are logistically spread out. After the children were grown and Leonard was retired, Mabel and he traveled together to Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Florida and most of the Pacific Northwest in between Leonard working automotive jobs out of his shop.

Leonard enlisted in the United States Army in Missoula, on Nov. 7, 1941.  He served as a radar technician and fought in several campaigns including Rome, south France, north France, Rhineland and Central Europe. His medals included the American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and other various medals of distinction. Leonard was honorably discharged on Oct. 11, 1945.

Leonard owned and operated a gas station and cabin court for several years in Sidney. He then decided to pursue a higher education in mechanics and auto body repair. In 1955, Leonard moved his wife and growing family to Kalispell. While living in Kalispell, he worked for Korn Buick, Roy Stanley Chevrolet and later on Hank Olson Chevrolet in Whitefish. Leonard was a very dedicated worker and received recognition for his excellent work in both areas. People were amazed with his paint repairs and no one was ever quite able to figure out his ingenious technique.

Leonard was admitted to the Montana Veterans Home on Oct. 20, 2015. A month later, Mabel joined him there so that they could continue living together. Leonard had a gentle, quiet soul and he enjoyed visiting with staff and residents alike. He had a sparkle in his eyes that conveyed how much he enjoyed living life. He will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his wife Mabel, of 68 years; his eight children and their spouses, Jim and Bethy Johnson, John Johnson, Mike and Sonya Johnson, Kathy Harp, Pat and Keila Johnson, Margie and Steve Herman, Mark and Suzanne Johnson and Carol and Bruce Kelley. In addition, he has been blessed with 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many new friends he made at the Montana Veterans Home.

A public viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell. The funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made to the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls in memory of Leonard.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the Johnson family.