Gerald “Jerry” Johnson

Gerald “Jerry” Kenneth Johnson, 78, passed away Oct. 31, 2012 at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska.

Per his request, no services will be performed.

Jerry was born Aug. 4, 1934 in Great Falls to Harold “Jim” Johnson and Helen A. Scott.

A U.S. Army veteran, Jerry served his country during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. After his service, he worked at Boeing and for the city of Kent, Wash.

In 1967, following the death of his father, Jerry moved back to Montana. In 1969 he started his own business as a carpenter and handyman in Whitefish.

Outside of work, Jerry was a 4-H woodworking leader in Flathead County. Under his tutelage, the Northwest Montana State Fair saw its first female grand champion ribbon winners. In 1983, Jerry moved to Wasilla, Alaska, with his wife and remained there for the rest of his days, working as a self-employed carpenter and handyman.

Family and friends would always joke that Jerry never met a stranger. He was always friendly and jovial with everyone he came across, be it the waitresses at morning coffee or nurses in the hospital. His sociable nature even led family to jokingly buying him a personalized license plate that read, “FLIRT,” though if anyone ever asked him, he’d insist it read, “I fly right.”

Jerry was a hard-worker who believed in honesty and integrity. He enjoyed carving cottonwood bark and camping and fishing with family and friends. He also loved cutting a rug on the dance floor with the love of his life, Sherry.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sherry; brothers, Kermit and Thomas Johnson; sisters, Loretta Todd and Sandra Beard; daughters, Julie Skaro, Jody Finley, Juanita Nilsby and Jackie Crosby; son, James Johnson; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and too many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and relatives to name.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Russell Johnson.

He will be forever loved and missed by all.