Dale Lynn Johnson, 91, died of natural causes Wednesday, June 3rd, at Westview Healthy Living in Wooster, OH.
He was born March 28, 1935, in St. Maries, Idaho, to Arthur A. and Ruth G. Johnson. He moved around Idaho and Montana during his childhood attending high school in Billings, MT. He married Coburn R. Randak in Arlington, Virginia on July 29, 1974.
He received a B.A. in Accounting from the University of Montana. He spent a few years working as a school teacher in Laurel, MT and at the Missoula Mercantile. He went on to get his M.A. and Ph.D. (1976) in History from the University of Montana. He worked as archivist at the University of Montana Library from 1965 until his retirement in 1996. He also worked as personal archivist for Senator Lee Metcalf of Montana, organizing his papers before his retirement.
He was dedicated to volunteering and was one of the founding members of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, where he volunteered in many roles, including re-roofing the main building, running the book sale, mowing and watering much of the grounds, and organizing and documenting artifacts, until 2016 when he moved to Wooster, OH to be closer to grandchildren. He also spent many summers doing living history as the proprietor of the general store at the Nevada City Museum. After moving to Wooster, he volunteered at the Wooster Historical Society and the Historic John Mishler Weaving Mill.
Survivors include his wife Coby, Wooster, Ohio, two sons, Reed, Wooster, Ohio, and Evan, Lake Alfred, Florida, and 3 grandchildren, Graham and Elyse, Wooster, Ohio, Gilana, Lake Alfred, Florida.
At this time, no services are planned.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St. Wooster is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family suggests memorials to the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula (www.fortmissoulamuseum.org) , Wooster Historical Society (www.waynehistoricalohio.org/wayne-county-historical-society/), Smithville Historical Society (www.sohchs.org), or Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare (www.lifecarehopsice.org).
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
My condolences to Coby and family. Dale was the ultimate Gentleman Archivist.
I will miss Dale as he sat during coffee breaks at the Mishler Mill and all the Montana stories he told us.
Coby, I was so sorry to hear that Dale had passed away. He played such a critical role in the Manfield Library, preserving the historical facts of those who went before us. You both made immeasurable contributions to the University as well as to community at large. He will be missed. My deepest condolences.
Coby, this is such sad news. Dale and you were such a positive influence on me during my time at the U of M. Dale introduced me to Montana history and the importance of preserving our past. Dale certainly played a huge role in the trajectory of my career and I’m eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from him.
PS. Thank you for the birthday cakes. Give the boys a hug for me.
Dearest Coby,
I am so sorry to read about Dale’s passing in the Missoulian. So many people will be missing him, including me! Whenever I needed help while working at the library, he was always so approachable, helpful, and entirely interesting. I pray for your strength and healing as you go through the processes that need to be done. With much love to you and your family, Jerri
Coby, Evan and Reed,
I am so sorry! I have only just learned of our beloved Dr J who remains chosen family to all of us in the Rhein family. May he sleep sweet. With such love, Shonna Rhein and family
Coby,
Your husband was one of the great ones, in every way. He made my life better with his wit and practicality. Most important, he made Montana history come alive in the UM Archives, building the future on the past.
Vic and I send you are heartfelt condolences.