Laverne Charles Johnson

LaVerne C. Johnson “Vern” passed away May 28, 2018 at his home in Great Falls, at the age of 83. A memorial service will be Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Vern was born in Wheeler, MT on March 16, 1935. Vern attended school in Malta, MT. He then joined the Air Force and finished his high school education through the Air Force. Vern was a crew chief and responsible for maintaining the aircrafts including fighter jets. He was stationed in Germany and had many interesting experiences, including going down into Hitler’s bunker. After his military service, he returned to Williston, ND and married Dorothy (Tudy) Wanner, now Blinston. They had two children, Jeff and Jerry Johnson, who both survive their father. They later divorced. He then married Kathy Siller. Vern and Kathy lived in Glendive, MT, Aurora, CO, and Great Falls. He worked at Boeing as a jet engine inspector and then he drove semi-trucks for the rest of his career. His primary loads were gasoline and propane. Vern was very proud of the fact he never had an accident while driving truck. Vern was an incredible mechanic. He was a devout Christian who read his Bible daily and knew the Lord well. Vern is survived by his wife, Kathy; brothers Harlan and Carl Johnson; sister Christy Smith; two sons, Jeff and Jerry Johnson; stepsons, Dan and Jerry Kohm; granddaughters Tera, Celeste, and Celina Johnson; step grandchildren, Amy Schwanke, Alvin (Ike) Kohm, Adrianna Herrada, Brittney Peets, Daniel and Dalton Kohm; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillian Johnson; brother Gail Johnson; and stepson Duran “JoJo” Kohm. Donations in Vern’s name may be made to the Great Falls Animal Shelter.