Bert Johnson, 98, a long-time resident of St. Maries, ID died peacefully at his daughter’s home in Hayden following a short illness, Saturday, June 20 with his family and long-time pastor and friend by his side.

Bert was born on November 14, 1927 in Placerville, CA to J.R. ‘Ole’ and Fronie Johnson.  He spent his childhood around Warren and Centerville, ID where his father worked in mining as dredge master.  After WWII, the family moved to Sumpter, OR and Bert graduated from high school in Baker, OR.  After two years in the Army which included serving as a corporal in the Korean War, Bert moved to Elk City, ID where his parents were then living. His mother sent him to Alaska to help his father construct a goldmine dredge. Bert remained in Alaska for several years where he learned to fly and owned his own plane.

In 1954, Bert returned to Elk City and married Nancy Mott; they divorced in 1957.  In 1960, he married Margaret ‘Mige’ High.  They resided in Elk City until 1967, raising five children. While in Elk City, Bert worked as a logger employed by Shearer’s Mill.   Bert and Mige also had the Orogrande and Dixie mail routes for several years.

Bert brought the family to St. Maries in 1967 where he owned his own logging company until 1972 when he was employed by Potlatch Plywood Mill as a millwright until his retirement in 1992.  In St. Maries, Bert became an active member of the St. Maries Masonic Lodge No. 63, the Scottish Rite, Calam Shriners, Eastern Star Idaho Chapter No. 49, the Royal Order of Jesters, Elks, and American Legion.  He was also a member and regular attendee at the St. Maries Community Presbyterian Church until his final days.

Bert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf with his buddies.  Family was very important to Bert, and he really enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and taking part in their activities.

Bert is lovingly remembered by his children, Judy (Keith) Thormahlen, Linda (Matt) Andersen, Dianne (Scott Crockard) Johnson, and John (Shirley) Johnson; 12 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret ’Mige’ Johnson, his brother Jack Johnson and sister Carol Smith, and his oldest son Gary High.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Auburn Crest Hospice for their compassionate care of Bert and support for the family in his final days.

A family interment will be held Saturday June 27 at the Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries.  The Celebration of Life will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church in St. Maries at 2:00 PM with Rev. Gary Foster officiating followed by a reception for family and friends at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

The family requests, donations to the Shriner’s Children’s of Spokane, St. Maries Masonic Lodge No. 63 Building Fund, or the Auburn Crest Hospice in Hayden.