Victor – Jerome H. “Jerry” Johnson, 73 years of age, of Victor, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. We tried to keep him but he could not stay.
Jerome was born January 19, 1940 to Howard and Anne (Stark) Johnson in Minneapolis, MN. He attended school in Minneapolis and graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1958. Jerry attended the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1967.
Jerome and Germaine were married October 6, 1972. After moving to Montana, Jerry had worked at Bonner Mill and a mill in Darby. They owned and operated Casey’s Store until 1986. At that time Jerry decided to pursue a career as a wildlife artist. He was quite successful at it, winning many awards and making many good friends in the art community. He really enjoyed it all.
Jerome was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bryce.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Germaine; his sister, Carol (Arthur) Doten; children, Lori (Larry) Buckmiller and Lance (April) Johnson; grandchildren, Chad, Amber (Cris) and Brian (Bailee); great-grandchildren, Cameron and Tristan; niece and nephew, Amanda and Clark; a few cousins from “the range” and many friends.
Visitation was Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. A vigil/rosary began at 7 p.m. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The celebration of his life will continue at a reception at the St. Mary’s Mission Catholic Church Family Center immediately following the service at the funeral home. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.