Loren Johnson

Loren Dale “Shorty” Johnson Loren Dale “Shorty” Johnson, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, entered heaven on February 5, 2022. He was 82 years old. Loren was born June 17, 1939, on the family farm in Bowdon, ND. He was the seventh of eight children. Loren was proud of his North Dakota and Norwegian heritage. His farm upbringing instilled in him an incredible work ethic and problem-solving ability. His wife Bonnie used to say, “You can always tell a Norwegian, but you can’t tell him much.” What you could tell about Loren was that he was very generous with his time and resources…and sometimes his opinions. Above all, he was a kid at heart. He loved to mischievously “play dumb” with people to see how he could “reel” them in to explaining something over and over, before he started laughing, and they realized he understood all along. He also loved to pull pranks. When someone would get the better of him, he would get a laughing gleam in his eye; you could tell he was trying to think of a comeback. He loved to tease and to laugh. Loren joined the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1957, soon after he turned 18. He said the military wanted people from the Midwest, because they worked hard and could take orders. In the USAF, he worked on generators (secondary power) and high tech missiles in Korea, Turkey, Johnston Island, as well as in Alabama, Massachusetts, Florida (where he met his bride), and California. A tall service buddy of his, Marion Deffenbaugh, nicknamed him “Shorty,” and the name stuck. Many friends and co-workers never knew his first name. After serving eight years in the USAF, Shorty held various heavy equipment mechanic jobs in Birmingham, AL; Orlando, FL; and Sacramento, CA. He retired from Operating Engineers Local 3, having worked at International Harvester, Claude C. Wood, and Teichert Construction, among others. Shorty loved to camp, read (especially westerns), ride his ATV, snow ski, and hunt. After several decades of elk/deer hunting in Montana, Shorty and Bonnie moved to Lima, MT, in 2004. He loved the mountain beauty and camaraderie he found in Lima and the daily breakfast gathering at the Yesterday’s Calf-A in Dell, MT. After suffering a severe stroke in September 2021, and later coming home on hospice, Shorty maintained his characteristic sense of humor, work ethic, and an incredible positive attitude. The brightest moment in the last months of his life was the day Shorty accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. In life, certain people leave a unique and lasting impression. Shorty was one of the special ones. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Although we mourn his passing, we have such joy knowing that we who have also accepted Christ will be reunited with him in heaven someday. Shorty is survived by his children Scott Johnson of Lovelock, NV, and Tammy (Andy) Grable of Lima, MT; grandchildren Megan Grable of Wilton, CA, Andrew (Gabby) Grable of Yuma, AZ, Luke (Nicole) Grable of Fort Worth, TX, and Cody Johnson and Joshua Johnson of Idaho; three great-grandchildren; and sisters Lois (Delrae) Seibel of Denton, TX, and Joyce McKee of Mesa, AZ. Shorty was preceded in death by his wife of over 60 years, Bonnie White Johnson; parents, Melvin and Ethel Johnson; brothers Marvin, Duane and Clyde Johnson; and sisters Donna Johnson and Verna Bovy. Per his wishes, Shorty was cremated; a private ceremony will be held at a later date. The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful care provided by the medical teams at East Idaho Regional Medical Center, Barrett Home Health and Hospice, Barrett Hospital, and Lima Ambulance. Memorial tributes may be made to Barrett Home Health and Hospice (Dillon, MT) or Lima Community Swimming Pool to support youth activities in Lima, MT.