Bozeman, MT – Jerry D. Johnson, a prominent Bozeman engineer and surveyor, passed away peacefully in recent weeks, surrounded by his family. He was 82 years old.
Born on November 22, 1941, in Billings, Montana, Jerry dedicated his life to the field of engineering and surveying. He founded Johnson & Associates, a successful firm that became a cornerstone of the Gallatin Valley’s infrastructure progress. He proudly transitioned ownership of the company to his daughter, Julie Verellen, ensuring a legacy of expertise and service.Even in his final days, Jerry remained connected to his work, regularly visiting the office to spend time with employees, some of whom had been with the firm for over four decades.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jerry was a devoted family man and an avid traveler. He and his wife,Leni,embarked on numerous adventures,including a mission trip to africa with ROC Wheels,where they assisted in providing wheelchairs to those in need. His passion for aviation led him to explore Alaska extensively in his private aircraft, a Piper PA-18 Super Cub floatplane, and he also flew as far south as the Panama Canal. A notably cherished memory was sharing the beauty of Alaska with Leni in his two-seater floatplane, showcasing his cabin located near the Alaskan wilderness.Family vacations – hunting, fishing, skiing, and spring breaks – where central to his life and created lasting memories.
In his final days,Jerry was surrounded by his entire family – 18 children and grandchildren – who shared moments of song,scripture reading,and expressions of love. Remarkably, despite being diagnosed with bladder and bone cancer, he experienced no pain, a phenomenon that astonished his medical team at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital. His family opted to have pain medication removed, as he remained pleasant without it. Doctors noted the rarity of pain-free progression with these types of cancers, attributing it to divine intervention.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Leni Johnson of Bozeman; daughters Julie (Jim) Verellen of Belgrade, Kellie (Aaron) Sironi of Bozeman, and Libbie (Dave) Oberly of Bozeman; granddaughters Kalli, Makayla, and Addison Oberly, Emily Verellen, Faith and esther Sironi; grandsons Joshua, Boaz, and Phin sironi, and Daniel Verellen; sister Doris (Dennis) Sieler of Billings; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Party of Life will be held on September 8th at 11:30 a.m. at Grace Bible Church (Chapel),3625 S 19th Ave,Bozeman,followed by a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Montana Family Foundation, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at montana state University, or voice of the martyrs.
Arrangements are under the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
