Dale Leroy Johnson of Missoula, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at home. Dale was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He was born April 7, 1942 to Dale P. Johnson and Velma Ernestine Johnson (Armstrong) in Missoula. He had many aunts and uncles with his Aunt Ethel playing an integral role in his life. Upon graduation from Missoula County High School, Dale enrolled in the United States Air Force. After his military service, Dale enrolled at the University of Montana graduating with a degree in Business. Upon graduation Dale went to work for Federated Insurance.
Dale worked for a number of years at the Anaconda Company Mill in Bonner. Dale married Betty Jo Fleming in 1964. Dale and Betty Jo raised two children, Kristofer and Kelli Jo, while owning and operating Dale’s Dairy, a fixture in the Target Range neighborhood from 1973 to 2009. Dale’s Dairy was one of the last independent family-owned farms in Missoula County. Dale was an entrepreneur, with a knack for starting businesses. In addition to Dale’s Dairy, he and Betty Jo owned Discount Video, which supplied videos and video-related equipment to stores throughout the west. Dale was an active participant in several national trade associations, Orchard Homes Country Life Club and the local chamber of commerce. In retirement Dale enjoyed spending time in Hawaii, developing a relationship with a new family member and visiting with friends.
Dale is survived by his children and grandchildren; sisters: Kristy Jo Ann Braidwood and Lynda Joyce Price; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, mother and father.
Services to take place at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery later this summer.
