Mitchell Wayne Johnson received his wings to fly on May 25, 2019 at home with his family. Mitchell was born February 22, 1981, in Glendive, Montana, to Kurt and Renae (Mantz) Johnson. He spent his first year of life in Glendive and then made a move to western Montana and then on to Great Falls, Montana, where he attended the Montana School for the Deaf & Blind. He moved back to Glendive for a few years during high school before returning to Great Falls permanently.
Mitchell enjoyed his years at MSDB and made many treasured friends there with students and staff, faculty & administration. He graduated from MSDB in June 2002. He then joined Easter Seals Day Program and was part of the Community Access Team until moving into the Life Skills Program there.
Mitch lived at home with his parents and sister, Megan, until April 2006, when Quality Life Concepts (QLC) had an opening in a Group Home located in Great Falls. Mitchell moved to Primrose Group Home and his family grew immediately! He loved his new home and new found independence along with the new friends made, especially the staff – Robert, Celeste & Mandi. Thank you for making his transition successful! Mitchell lived at Primrose until 2014 when he transferred to his current home at Treasure State Group Home. Mitch resided there with wonderful friends/roommates and developed many friendships with the support staff. Thank you to all the wonderful staff that have helped Mitch continue to pursue his interests – music, swimming, swinging and being sociable in the community and church.
Mitchell is survived by his parents, Kurt & Renae, his sister, Megan Johnson (Great Falls); aunts Claudette Nussbaum, Deb (Ed) Kanduch, Judi (Ron) Surina, Darla (Jim) Cook, Julie (Tom) Just; and uncles Keith (Denora) Johnson and Keith (Debbie) Mantz. Also, 14 first cousins and numerous second and third cousins.
Mitch was preceded in death by his grandparents, Verner & Lorene Johnson and Henry & Videll Mantz and uncles Henry Mantz Jr. and Bob Nussbaum and aunt Paulette Johnson.
Also, thank you to the most wonderful group of people in the Special Needs Community and the support in Great Falls and Glendive Montana! He was raised with the help of so many kind hearts.
To share condolences, visit the O’Connor Funeral Home website.
