Johnny Grande

A devoted father, husband, and loyal friend to many. Johnny Eugene Grande, “Gene” passed away peacefully from complications from Covid on October 7, 2021. A native Montanan, Gene was the first born of 7 siblings to Eugene and Mildred Grande on February 22, 1931 in Big Timber Montana. Gene attended High School in Billings. He joined the Navy in January of 1951 and served in the Korean war on the Elk Horn. After the war he made his way back to Montana, as he couldn't wait to get out of the “flatland” he called it. While working at a gas station he met his future bride, Sherry Rookhuizen. They married on February 12th, 1956. After the birth of their first daughter Martha, the family moved to the San Fernando Valley in California where daughter Sherry “Blossom” was born, and shortly after they moved back to Billings. Gene worked for Berkley equipment for 8 years as a welder, he then moved on to a job at the Montana Power Company and worked his way up, accepting the lead foreman position at the Mystic Lake Hydro plant in 1979, a job which he loved and took great pride in. He managed the plant for eighteen years until he retired. Gene loved the Mountains of Montana and everything they had to offer to an outdoorsman. He enjoyed panning for gold and sapphires in the Crazy Mountains, hiking, hunting and fishing, especially with his family and grandchildren in the Beartooth Mountains, memories that we all will cherish. Gene is proceeded in death by his wife Sherry, parents Eugene and Mildred Grande, Brothers Tom Grande, Rod Grande, sisters Bernice Grande Boelter, and Marion Grande. He is survived by daughters Martha Grande of Kalispell, Sherry and David Gabel of Billings, grandchildren, Brandon Grande of Seattle, Nicole Haggerty, husband Nick of Shepard, Trina Hoiness, husband Brady of Billings, Dustin Gabel, wife Gabrielle, also of Billings, 7 great grandchildren and sisters Leona Grande Green of Missoula, Vivian Grande Pinkerton of Lincoln City Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor's choice. A graveside memorial is planned at the Mountainview Cemetery 1704 Central Ave Billings Montana on Friday October 15th at 1pm, viewing at 10 am at Dahl Funeral home, 10 Yellowstone Ave. Billings Mt. Due to covid, the family requests to have only immediate family members attend. Memories can be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com