Nestor Johnson

Nestor Walford Johnson, 90

Nestor Walford Johnson passed away peacefully in his sleep, September 3, 2016.
Nestor was born, December 17, 1925, the fourth of seven children to Aili and Gustof Johnson, in Brocket, North Dakota.

Nestor learned the value of hard work from his farming family. Nestor took great pride in his personal appearance, home and property. He often said, "If it is worth doing, do it right.", and put your tools away in their proper place. Being part of the Great Generation, Nestor joined the Navy at age of 18, March 24, 1944. Doing what was right, Nestor earned three stars for his service, mostly aboard the U.S.S. Saipan. Nestor was honorably discharged, February 15, 1950. Nestor came home to his mother's house in Missoula, which he had helped purchase. Nestor fell in love with the girl next door, Virginia Johns, who was home on leave from the Civil Service.

Nestor and Virginia were married May 7, 1951 and raised their five children in Missoula, Montana. Nestor was a good provider, sometimes working two jobs, growing a large garden and hunting and fishing. Nestor had careers in logging, concrete work and road construction. Nestor started as a laborer on paving crew and because of his work ethic and math mind, he soon became heavy machine operator, foreman and road planner. Nestor was a member of the Teamsters and Operating Engineers.

In retirement, Nestor and Virginia enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family, boating and fishing. Nestor got a kick out of pulling kids and grandkids on skis and tubes.

The last years of Nestor's life were spent at Hillside Place Assisted Living. The family appreciated their care of Nestor and help in accepting his gradual slipping away. Nestor will be missed for his dry sense of humor, joking with staff and family.

Nestor was preceded in death by his parents, Aili and Gustof Johnson and step-father, Walter Luchau, wife, Virginia, brothers; Waino, Leo and Arvi, son-in-law Franz Barthel, and best friend Geno Tardiff.

Surviving are Nestor's five children; Greg and Lynn Johnson, Louann and Jim Convey, Elaine Johnson-Barthel, Marcelle and Robert Taft, and Mark and Debbie Johnson. Seven grandchildren; Nicole Morgan, Logan Marie Barthel, Robert, Angie and Katie Taft, and Amanda and Wyatt Johnson, and four great grandchildren. Three sisters; Sadie West, Lydia Ford and Vienna Tripp.

Graveside memorial service will be held October 7, Friday at 11 am, at the new Saint Mary's cemetery, with full military honors. The family welcomes all to a reception after service, at Saint Francis Xavier Church.

Garden City Funeral Home is caring for the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Disabled Veterans or Veterans Food Bank.