Clifford Laverne Johnson

Clifford Laverne Johnson went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Sunday, October 3, 2021, just a few days after celebrating his 94th Birthday.

Cliff was born on September 29th, 1927, in Rolla, ND to Andrew and Signe Johnson. Clifford married his first love Vivian Synek in 1956 and raised two children Connie and Kenneth on the family farm south of Poplar, MT. In 1998, he married Belva Itcaina and moved to Malta where he made a new home and life. In 2008, he married Pat Engen and they shared many loving years together.

He served his country in WWII and was a proud Veteran, active Elks Club member and participated in years of celebrations honoring those who served. His life's work was farming, and he remained very close to the community of farmers surrounding the "home place". As Thrashing Bee president, and expert on vintage farm equipment, many are picturing him smiling while driving his tractor through the pearly gates handing out horseshoes he handmade on the blacksmith forge. He was deeply proud to be from Montana, loved sharing the culture of the state through his stories, and collected many hats to prove it. He was a member of Malta Lutheran Church where he served on church council, was active in Men in Mission, and helped with the annual Martin Luther dinner. He was a hard worker and generous with his time but most of all, he loved people. He lived for a smile, a song, a dance, a joke, a moment of fellowship with a hot cup of coffee. For many people the most impactful moment they would have each day would reside in a conversation with Cliff, and we are grateful for the joy that lives in those memories.

As he moved through his life so many people came to know him as family. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, bonus dad, best friend, uncle & brother. The precious family he has now joined in heaven include wife Vivian Johnson, children Connie & Kenneth Johnson. Wife Belva Johnson, wife Pat Johnson as well as his brother Clark, sisters Vivian(John), Doris(Bert) & Francis(Ralph).

Alive today to hold his memory and legacy are his grandchildren Trent McKiernan, Luke(Rachel) McKiernan, Andi(Matt) Wise, great grandchildren Mac & Bodil Wise. Sister Mary Knutson, Belva's children Frank(Karen), Bea, Bill, Paul, Ray & Tom Morin, Terri (DJ) LaVerdure, Leona(Paul) Siewing & their children Jonathan & Seth. Pat's children Cyndee(Brian) Cavanah, Brian(Candi) Engen. He is also survived by friend Peggy Salois, numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, bonus grandchildren as well as extended family and dear friends in Malta, Poplar, Wolf Point and the surrounding areas.

He was known to everyone for his kindness and sense of humor, including those who helped care for him during the last years of his life and the family expresses a special thanks to all of those individuals.

Service Schedule:

-Viewing: Friday, October 15, 2021, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wilderness Funeral Home, Malta

-Funeral Services: Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11 am at Malta Lutheran Church. Luncheon at church to follow.

*Private Family Burial: Saturday, October 16th in Wolf Point, Montana

We have made arrangements to stream his service on the 23rd of October through the funeral home Facebook page.

To send flowers to the family for Viewing, Burial or Funeral please contact Patty's Floral.