Monte R. Johnson
Monte R. Johnson
May 13, 1927- June 7, 2011
Monte passed away at Idaho State Veterans’ Home, where he received loving and respectful care in his last days. The only child of Vic and Vera (Kessler) Johnson, he was born May 13, 1927 in Lewiston, Idaho. When he was two years old his parents moved to Boise where his father was a paint salesman.
Monte attended Washington and Lowell Elementary Schools, North Jr. High School, and Boise High School where he played multiple instruments in the school band and with the fledgling Gib Hochstrasser Band. After leaving high school he moved on to the University of Idaho, Moscow. After graduating from the U of I, he worked as a furniture salesman and later as a paint salesman. With the start of the Korean war he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following basic training, he was part of a company composed of college graduates which was posted in Germany.
After a medical discharge, Monte was employed by General Electric Credit Corporation and was transferred as general manager to their Butte, Montana office. On June 15, 1958 he married Jo Anne (Hoffman) Ehrman whom he met shortly prior to moving to Butte. The newlyweds bravely began their honeymoon in the company of her two small children, Michelle and Sam, while pulling a motor boat behind them. Five years later they were blessed with another son, Karl. After moving back to Boise, Monte was employed for several years as a salesman by Newton Manufacturing Company outlet for various promotional items. Fifteen years before retirement he and Jo opened a mom and pop print shop on State Street in Boise. They both claimed that being together 24/7 would either make or break a marriage. In their case it must have made it, as their 54th anniversary will be June 15th.
Monte’s interests were varied and intriguing. He loved to travel by any means available, but after surprising his wife with a cruise to Alaska for their 25th anniversary, he became addicted to cruises of any sort. In the years following they enjoyed 16 cruises on a great variety of ships. Their favorite was a week in the Caribbean on the Yankee Clipper, a refitted yacht that was like camping out at sea.. Their last cruise was a 30-day trip to the South Seas to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Even more than cruising, Monte enjoyed the El Korah Shrine and was a member for 55 years. He was Captain of the Black Light Patrol for several years as well as an honorary member of The Players. He was Imperial Ambassador to New Orleans, Editor of the Desert Dust, and Secretary of the Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund. An avid skier, he put a lot of sweat equity into helping develop Bogus Basin in the early years. When his wife became interested in Stage Coach Theater so did Monte. In addition to acting they performed a number of other jobs around the theater and always enjoyed the shows. Their son Karl is carrying on the tradition today. Monte and Jo were great fans of Idaho Public Television, picking up food for every Festival for more than 20 years until his health interfered. They would also stuff envelopes or perform any other jobs that were needed..
Monte was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by everyone who loved him. He is survived by his wife Jo, his daughter Michelle Goins, and his sons Sam Ehrman and Karl Johnson. Monte’s ashes will be inurned at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, Boise.
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to the Shrine Hospital, the Idaho Veterans’ Home or any charity of your own preference.
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