Joseph Benjamin Johnson (Papa Joe), passed away on November 19, 2016 two days before his 97th birthday.
Dad was born on November 21, 1919 to Nels Johnson and Anita Jiminez in Clayton, New Mexico where he had a fun, mischievous and adventurous childhood. Dad moved with his family to Pueblo, Colorado during the Great Depression, where he met is beautiful wife, Martha Gallegos. He worked for CF&I steel mill in Pueblo, the CCC camps, and later moved to Utah to work at the coke ovens in Sunnyside. Dad later worked as a coal miner and retired from Kaiser Steel after 30 years of dedicated service and is a proud member of the UMWA. Dad owned and operated Papa Joe’s for over 45 years and met many wonderful people.
Mom and dad loved to dance and you could find them almost any Saturday night out doing the jitterbug where they won many contests. He was an avid reader, and loved country and bluegrass music. He also loved the Denver Broncos and boxing. He was a Golden Gloves champion in Colorado. Dad loved all of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed taking each one of them on walks and as infants would lay them on a pillow and just enjoyed watching them. Dad was truly a gentleman and was kind to everyone he met and never complained
He is survived by his four children, Joseph D. Johnson, Barbara Jo Adams, Yvonne Olson (Frank) and James David “Duke” (Nikki). Dad had 10 grandchildren, Jackie Jo Benedikt (Corwin), Vaughn Olson (Diana), Daine Olson (Andrea); Michelle Walker (Jim), John Adams, Shaun Bell (Chris); J.B. Johnson, James David Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, and Jocelyn O’niones. 18 great grandchildren, Jordan, Zac, Meaghan, Andrew, Jastin, Jashelle, Giselle, Kaden, Korrin, Kadie, Brittany, Dairyk, Jillian, Zoey, David, Domenic, Ashton, Gage, Bailey and one on the way; two great-great grandchildren, Ace Connor O’niones, and Jack Olson
Dad was preceded in death by his wife Marty, daughter-in-law, Connie Johnson, son-in-law, Bob Adams, and brothers, John, Loyd, Paul,Val and one sister Marie Beruman,
Memorial Mass Saturday, November 26, 2016, 10:00 a.m., Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church. Family will be at the church one hour prior to Mass. Committal service Cliffview Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.