Leland Johnson

LELAND (PETE) JOHNSON IDAHO FALLS, ID - Leland Joseph Johnson, 79, longtime Shelley resident, died March 11, 2006 at the home of his daughter in Shelley from kidney failure. He was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. He was born April 12, 1926, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to George Waldamer Johnson and Ethel Leona Stoddard Johnson. He attended Fairview Elementary in Idaho Falls through 8th grade, then graduated from Ucon High School. He served in the U. S. Army as a Sergeant in World War II from February 1945 until enemy surrender, earning the WWII Victory and M-1 Rifle Sharp Shooter medals. He served in the 194th Engineer Combat Battalion from November, 1950, until enemy surrender earning the Korean Service Medal and 2 Bronze Service Stars. He was a lifetime member of the Eagles Lodge #576 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He married Mary Louisa Sawyer December 22, 1946 in Idaho Falls, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. He worked for Anaconda Mining company in Butte, Montana, from February, 1952, through May, 1959. He then went to Greenland to assist with building a radar tower for the U. S. Government. He moved back to Shelley, to raise his family where he worked as a ranch hand for Rudy Wahlquist, for Hallway Manufacturing as a welder of farm equipment from August, 1960, to December, 1962. He also worked for several different contractors at the INL from 1962 until his retirement in January, 1986. Due to poor health, Mary Lou passed away February 11, 1969, leaving him with two children at home. He married his second wife, Kathleen Ann Wiemer, on September 27, 1981, in Idaho Falls. They had one child, LeAnn Nygard of Idaho Falls, and adopted Ena Harris, Buddy, Trevor and April Johnson, all of Idaho Falls. He and Kathleen were later divorced. After his children were raised, he moved to Idaho Falls, and has lived at his daughter's in Shelley since December 2002 due to his poor health. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed his grandchildren and family gatherings, fishing and boating, and especially loved playing Santa for Seniors bringing joy to everyone that he could. He is survived by: Daughter: Terry Wilde, Shelley, ID Daughters: Linda Jo Firkins, Cheryl (Edward) Hayes, LeAnn Nygard, Ena Harris and April Johnson, all of Idaho Falls Son: David (Marilyn) Johnson, Livermore, CA Sons: Buddy and Trevor Johnson, Idaho Falls 15 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren Sisters: Velma Johnson, Wanda (Derwin) Landon, Leah (James) Landon, all of Shelley, ID, and Naomi Poulsen, Pocatello, ID He was preceded in death by both parents, three brothers, a sister, and his beloved companion and wife, Mary Lou. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18, 2006, at Wood East Side Chapel, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and for one hour prior to services Saturday both at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Wood East Side Chapel. ------------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Tina Butler (arcticbear33@yahoo.com) I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Leland was a fine caring man, who will be missed greatly. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Bertha Shaw and Milt and Brent Banner (bethdolls @ pmt.org) We wish we could have been there for the funeral. We just want you to know that your extended family is thinking of you. We know the pain of losing someone you love. Our mother would have wanted to be there with you. Our prayers are with you too.