Rod H. Johnson, 84

Rod H. Johnson, 84, of Reno, Nev., and formerly of Wallace, Idaho, passed away Oct. 29, 2024, at Northern Nevada Medical Center in Reno, Nev. Rod was born Dec. 11, 1939, in Wallace, Idaho, a son of the late Howard Johnson and Thelma (Tweed) Groos. 

Rod grew up in Wallace with his two sisters, Lori and Trudy, on Canyon Avenue. For fun, Rod spent his time exploring Weir Gulch, often with his childhood friend, Royce Griner.   

In 1957, Rod joined the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton and later at Pickel Meadow Cold Weather Training Center, both in California. He returned to Wallace for a short time before re-enlisting. After his second discharge, Rod returned to Wallace and would later marry Judie Ramirez. Together, they would raise three sons, Brad, Tod and Erik. Rod had a great love of the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycle riding or just being in the mountains, and impressed that upon his sons. 

Rod spent 20 years at the Star Mine in Burke, Idaho, becoming the electrical supervisor while there. In 1982, he and Judie got divorced, and with the Star Mine shutting down, Rod spent the next few years at the Sunshine Mine, the Lucky Friday and other Hecla owned mines in northern California. He would eventually begin working as an industrial construction electrician, traveling around the country before starting his own company as a “start-up engineer” on newly constructed power plants. It was during this time that all three of Rod’s sons followed in his footsteps in the electrical trade. At times, all four of the Johnson’s would be working on the same power plant. Rod couldn’t be prouder of his boys. 

On April 30, 1990, Rod married Maria (Marilou) Navata. Marilou was always at his side, traveling the country together before settling in Healy, Alaska, after Rod finished his last job starting up a power plant there. Together, they ran “Healy Heights Family Cabins,” renting out their cabins during the summer months. In the off-season, they would travel to the Philippines and make their usual “loop” in the lower 48 to see friends and family. The loop would take them to Reno, Nev., Baker City, Ore., Moses Lake, Wash., and Wallace. They would make this loop a couple of times each year. 

In 2014, Rod and Marilou would return to the lower 48, making their home in Reno. They would spend their time traveling and visiting friends and family. Rod passed away with his loving wife of 34 years, Marilou at his side, along with his sister, Lori, and son Brad. 

In addition to his parents, Rod is preceded in death by his sons, Tod Johnson and Erik Johnson.

Rod is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marilou Johnson, of Reno, Nev.; sister Lori (Fred) Church, of Reno, Nev.; sister Trudy Harstad of Lincoln, Calif.; son Brad (Dana) Johnson; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

A viewing will be held at Shoshone Funeral Services, 106 S. Main St., Kellogg, Idaho, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. Graveside services with military honors will be held at noon Nov. 16, 2024, at Nine Mile Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at the Wallace Elks Lodge. 

Memories of Rod and messages of condolence may be shared with this family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Johnson family with arrangements.