As the sun rose on the morning of Tuesday, July 9th 2024, our beautiful and beloved mom Marian Ann (Haber) Johnson went running into the loving arms of the Savior, whom she loved for so many years, with her loving husband Bill holding her in his arms. In a week, they would have been married 57 years.
Mom was born in Terry, Montana on January 23rd, 1947 to Theodore and Anna (Sukut) Haber of Brockway, Montana. She joined big brothers; Don, Glen and Harry. Her sister Betty and brother Larry would soon follow to complete the Haber clan. The family was raised on the farm north of Brockway where Mom was a real tom-boy and took after her dad loving everything horse. Mom spent many hours with her horses growing up, something she continued to enjoy her entire life. She loved riding and spent countless hours in the saddle or bareback and always enjoyed a good horse race. She often followed Grandpa Haber to wherever he was racing, to help him get set up and enjoyed a race or two before returning home.
Mom attended the Stoney Butte School west of the farm, through the 8th grade, with her siblings and the neighbor kids, the Garfields, the Quicks and the Yargers. She often told stories about the fun times they had at that little country school. She continued her education at Circle High School for her Freshman and Sophomore year and then went on to Lustre Christian High School in Lustre, Montana for her Junior and Senior year, graduating in 1965. Mom then went to Cosmotology School before returning to Circle in 1966.
Mom started waitressing at the Midway Cafe in 1966, working with her Aunt Margaret Waldbauer. She often talked about the fun times she had working with her Aunt. It was also in the Midway Cafe where she met her future husband Willard “Bill” Johnson in January of 1967. It didn’t take long for the tall, dark-haired “Norsky” to convince his pretty, petite “Kraut” to marry him and that’s exactly what they did on July 16th, 1967. They affectionately called each other the “Norsky” and the “Kraut” for the next 56 years.
They lived in a variety of places in the early years, like Sidney and the Glasgow Air Force Base, but soon realized that McCone County was home and came back in the Spring of 1972. Their son Garry was born in 1968, daughter Kristie in 1972 and daughter Becky in 1973. The family continued to make McCone County home, living in and around Circle. Mom was truely happiest when we lived in the country, milking cows on our dairy and riding her horses, although, she also loved living in Circle. There she had her flower gardens and her and dad took up riding motorcycle, a hobby they very much enjoyed. They spent many summers touring the US and Canada on their bike and loved every minute of it. They flat wore out 3 different touring bikes.
Mom was always a hard worker and worked at several places around Circle, including the Midway Cafe, F T Reynolds and Ernst’s Super Valu, but she found her favorite job when she started working at the McCone County Hospital. She work there until the Hospital closed and then transitioned to the Health Center, where she had a career of 30 years. Along with working, she always made time for her kids, chores and whatever else needed to be done. You didn’t find Mom sitting. She also started driving route and activity buses in 2003 and continued taking Circle School kids to and from school and activities right up until the time of her passing. She truly loved driving bus and being with the kids.
Mom and Dad became grandparents in 1998 with Brennan. Mom loved her role as “Gramma” and that love continued to grow when Tyler came along in 2000 and Kyleigh in 2001. There wasn’t much that Gramma wouldn’t do for the kids that she adored with all her heart. She became “Great-Gramma” in 2021 with Isaac and 2023 with Hallie and couldn’t have been happier.
Mom was a quiet and reserved lady who always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her bright, blue eyes. She was kind and compassionate and that radiated from every inch of her 5′ 3″ body. She might have been small in stature, but she was as big as life in every way.
Mom is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Anna Haber, a still-born sister Ruth, beloved brother Glen and her nephews Randy and Rick Haber. She is survived by her loving husband Bill of Circle, son Garry of Circle, daughter Kristie of Dickinson and daughter Becky of Glendive. She is also survived by her beloved sons-in-law Curtis Fuhs of Glendive and Dean Gabbert of Dickinson, grandchildren Brennan (Levi) Bowman of Wolf Point, Tyler Fuhs of Glendive and Kyleigh Fuhs of Bozeman and great-grandchildren Isaac and Hallie Bowman of Wolf Point. She is also survived by brothers Don, Harry (Judy) and Larry (LaDonna) and her favorite sister Betty (Chuck) Kleppelid and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mom, you’ve left a mighty big hole in our world and it will never be filled this side of Heaven. We love you and adore you and life will never be the same. BUT, we know than one day we’re going to see you again with your beautiful smile and twinkling blue eyes in that wonderful land just beyond the pearly gates.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 11, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
2:30 p.m.
Friday July 12, 2024
Faith Assembly of God Church
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday July 11, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
702 Lehman Ave.
Circle, Montana 59215
Funeral Service
2:30 p.m.
Friday July 12, 2024
Faith Assembly of God Church
Circle, Montana 59215
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Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
Bill, Garry, Kristie, and Becky,
I do not have the words to express our deepest sympathy and sadness in Marian’s passing! She and I go back a long way, not only were we cousins, but best of friends also. I spent a lot of my childhood days out at the Haber farm and pretty much learned to become a country girl by having my first ride on a horse! Our hearts are broken now, but know that she is at peace and enjoying those golden streets in heaven! Love and God’s blessing to you all!
Tara Kirkegard says
Bill, Garry, Kristie, and Becky…
I’m usually so obnoxiously chatty but right now my heart is hurting so badly for all of you. Your Momma was one of the most beautiful and special women I have ever known. Your family has been our family for my entire life. The memories are flooding me. I can hear her laugh right now. She had the best laugh and sweetest smile. She loved her family intensely. I can’t imagine the pain of losing her but one day, I pray that you will think of her and smile with peace and joy. She is loving on our Lord now. That is pretty beautiful. We love all of you so much and we are here. Rest peacefully sweet lady. You have your wings.❤️🙏❤️🙏
Jackie Boysun says
Bill, Garry, Kristie, and Becky…so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a neat lady. Find peace that she is in Jesus hands today. Her faith showed in her kindness. Gonna miss her.
Nedra Vander Vorste says
Always so busy, sweet, helpful and caring! She did laundry when I worked at MCHC! She went above and beyond, by mending etc., folding, and bringing things down to the rooms that had been missed or needed extra attention! Rest in peace, dear lady! You deserve it!
Bonnie Quinnell says
So very sorry to hear if your mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bonnie Q
Jim and Anita Heide says
Bill and family,
So sorry to hear of Marian’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and will never be forgotten. May you find comfort knowing she’s in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pauline Gackle says
Bill and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Marion’s passing! She was a wonderful lady and great woman of God. She will be greatly missed! Our prayers and condolences for your family as you celebrate her life! God bless your family.
Myron and Pauline
Kim Wilson says
Bill, Garry, Kristie, and Becky,
My dear neighbors and friends l, my heart is just broken for your families! Mom, Kory, and I send all our love and prayers to you! God has gained the sweetest angel. ❤️🙏
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
Bill, Garry, Kristie & Becky,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved wife and Mom. Marion was such a sweet soul and always had a smile and warm welcome when I would see her. May God bless you through this difficult time and know that Marion touched many lives while she was with us, may we all aspire to be as kind as she was.
Mindy says
I am saddened by the passing of Marian! She was such a sweet lady and an Excellent bus driver to our son!
Thinking of all of her family at this time!
Charla K. Border says
Bill, Garry, Kristi and Becky,
So sad to see the passing of Marian. She was a super sweet lady to everyone. Thoughts and prayers to you all! May you have only happy memories.
Keri Taylor says
Bill and family – I have such wonderful memories of Marian! She was always such a go-getter and worked so hard at the health center and all her years driving the school buses. I ALWAYS enjoyed visiting with her…she always had something meaningful to say, including her practical advice on how to clean my house windows! Wow, I will miss seeing you both tootling around town together in your side-by-side. See will be missed by so many but, most of all, by you…praying for the peace and comfort of Jesus in your hearts as you grieve.
Steve and Anita Wheatley says
Johnson family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Marian’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Patsy Kuntz says
Bill and kids, so sorry to hear of Marian’s passing, she was a great person fun talks with her. May you rest in peace Marian. All of you keep all your memories in your hearts
Margaret Melrose Maresh says
Your loss is heaven’s gain. Marian will be greatly missed. I remember being friends growing up in the EUB church and Circle high school. Marian was always quiet, kind and loving to everyone
Nina Breitbach Waller says
I worked with Marian at the Health Center. Always a smile and a friendly chat-and what a worker. She was a dear and kind Christian woman.
Terry Jackson says
Bill and family, I am so sorry to hear about Marian passing, she was always so nice and always had time for a chat, I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile on her face,always friendly. Sending you all some prayers.
Karen and Dennis Wolff says
What a beautiful tribute to your mother! She was special in so many ways and will be deeply missed. You have our sympathy, but more important, you have a lifetime of memories.
Roscoe and Sharon Schmidt says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.