David G Johnson

David G. Johnson (Dave) was born August 12, 1935, in rural Cascade, MT to George D. Johnson and Sophie Majeski Johnson joining his sister Donna. He was raised in the Great Falls area and attended Great Falls public schools.

As a child he was involved in many activities. In Boy Scouts he earned his Eagle Scout and attended the Valley Forge, PA Jamboree in 1950. He participated in 4H and DeMolay. He excelled in athletics on the diamond, football field and basketball court.

In 1953 he married Lorraine J. Preputin and together they raised two daughters. They were married for 45 years until her passing. He began his farming career east of Brady, working for his father-in-law Joe Preputin. He eventually took over the family farm and grew it in size over the years. Dave was a self-starter and if there was a job to do, he figured it out and did it himself. Off-farm ventures included working as a field man for the ASCS office, plowing snow for Malmstrom AFB, a rural mail route and school bus route. While looking for a cabin he ended up buying Robert’s Roost (Holter Lake Lodge) and he and his family ran that business for several years. After selling the lodge, they bought a lot on Holter Lake and went to work building their dream cabin. It was their pride and joy, and a lot of memories were made. Farmers never really retire, and he helped his daughter and son-in-law on the farm until he no longer could physically do it anymore. He never needed GPS to drive a straight line with the tractor or combine! However, he did think the autonomous driving feature in the cars was pretty cool to the consternation of his family.

Dave enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, pinochle and dirty marbles. He coached the East Community youth baseball team and was a 4H Leader. He was active in the Moose and Elk’s fraternal organizations. He travelled extensively throughout the US and overseas. He especially enjoyed cruises. Being a farmer for so many years he was used to long hours in the equipment. He said, “Cars practically drive themselves” and made many 15–18-hour road trips in his vehicles. He was able to spend many winters in Hudson, Florida and Mesquite, Nevada. He spent his final years residing in Great Falls, MT.

Dave had a saying, “I got to be doing something even if it is wrong”. Dave lived a full life and had 88 years of work, fun and adventure. Dave loved and provided for his family, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his daughters, Dorinda (Richard), Pamela (John); grandsons, Charles (Adrienne), Nicholas; great grandchildren, Emmalee, Noah and Samantha; step great grandchild, Colton; special friend, Donna.

Dave passed away on June 12, 2024. Cremation has taken place. Per his request no services will be held.

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