Ralph W. Johnson, 92

Ralph W. Johnson, 92 years old, of Columbia Falls, Montana passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 12th.  He was born Feb. 14, 1933, a valentine for sure!  He was the only child for Bruce Edward Johnson and Agnes Louise Wolz Johnson.  It was a blizzard that day at his grandparent’s house, in Byron Wyoming, where he made his entrance.  A devoted husband, father, friend, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  

Ralph grew up in Lovell, Wyoming, having many cousins and family close.  Summers were country living, fishing, riding bicycles, and a horse, named Snip.  He learned to garden, preserve food, and help with the laundry, which was a wringer washer and a clothesline.

Sports were his passion. He graduated from Lovell High School in 1951 and went on to college at Rocky Mountain in Billings.  His last two years he was offered a scholarship for football and was a member of the 1955 championship team.  He graduated in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in education. 

Ralph and Joanne met in 1953 and were married in 1954, but only after football season was over.  After 5 years of teaching in Plentywood, Montana the family moved to Columbia Falls. Todd was 5 years old, Cory 3 years old and Kyle a baby.  Paige was born 4 years later, a night when Ralph was on a basketball trip.

Ralph had a beautiful voice and sang for many celebrations and weddings, even at his own wedding and all his children’s weddings.  He was most revered for singing “O Holy Night” every Christmas season in church. 

Ralph’s career was as a teacher at Columbia Falls High School. He taught history, biology, and physical education. He was hired as head coach of the basketball team in 1963.  Ralph was in the teaching profession for 30 plus years, retiring in 1987.  

The outdoors was a huge part of his life.  He loved the hunting season, but fishing was his first choice.  He tied his own flies and he was hired to fish Whitefish commercially for a few years.  His license plate on his truck said “FISH I DO.”  

After Retirement, Ralph and Joanne spent 17 winters in Mesa, Arizona, enjoying the warmth and sunshine.

Ralph had both knees replaced, both hips, and was a colon cancer survivor.

A lifelong member or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ralph served faithfully in many callings.  He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his community, and his faith. 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter-in-law, Janice.  He is survived by his wife Joanne of 70 years, his sons Todd (Sherry), Cory (Rachel), Kyle (Mary), and Paige (Don), 13 grandchildren; Adam, Michael, Melissa, Alex, Alicia, Tyson, Kelin, Brekka, Parker, Ellie, Meriah, Jocelyn, Keston, and 23 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Wildcat Athletic Endowment Fund.  

The funeral was Monday Aug. 18t at the LDS church in Columbia Falls. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Columbia Falls. To send online condolences go to: columbiamortuary.com.