Merle Lee Johnson, 69
Merle Johnson
Merle Lee Johnson (Mert, Merlito, VernMerleEarl, Snicker) of Bayview, ID passed away Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, in the Circle of Life unit at Kootenai Health. He was surrounded by his wife, Dorothy, his nephew, Roger Johnson and wife Lori, and many friends.
Merle was born September 29, 1944, the son of Peter and Dorothy Johnson in Osage, Iowa. He attended school in Little Cedar and Osage, Iowa, and graduated in 1962. He then went to NIACC in Mason City, Iowa, before he enlisted in the United States Air Force with his friend Terry Cockrum. Once in the service, he attended Russian Language School in Monterey, Calif., and interpreted radio messages in Turkey and Italy. After discharge from the Air Force in 1968, he returned home and married Dorothy I. Kremer on April 26, 1969. They moved to Colorado where Merle received his degree from the University of Colorado, then worked in Mental Health, both inpatient and outpatient. Merle and Dorothy moved to Bayview in 1992 where they have made their home since.
Merle enjoyed traveling, camping, playing ball with his dogs, gardening and skiing, but especially enjoyed visiting with people whether they be family, friends or a stray he happened to find. He was especially known for his big smile, and always had a joke or two for you.
Merle is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 44 years, brothers: Robert (Roslea), Carroll (Betty), Dale, and Keith (Sharon); along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, one great, great nephew, and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Dorothy Johnson, his sister-in-law, Sandy Johnson, and nephew, Chad Kesler.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Bayview in the spring, and in Little Cedar, Iowa, in the summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Camp Courageous, P.O. Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310, or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be mailed to Dorothy, at P.O. Box 428, Bayview, ID 83803, or you may post on Merle’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com