Paul Martin Johannsen, 62

Paul was born on May 18, 1960 to Jay and Beverly (Watts) Johannsen in Great Falls, Montana. He passed away at home after a long, courageous fight with renal cancer on Feb. 3, 2023 at the age of 62.

Paul was raised on a wheat farm in Sunburst, Montana where he learned from his mom and dad how to deal with adversity and fix anything broken. He loved a challenge and a project!

Paul attended Montana State University earning a degree in Agricultural Business. He began his career in banking and moved to Missoula where he met his wife, Teddi. They wed in 1989 and started their family welcoming their son, Jordan, in 1992 and daughter, Cassandra, in 1994. In 2003, Paul was given the opportunity to become President of First Interstate Bank and the family moved to Whitefish. Paul eventually left the banking industry to enter real estate and became part owner and COO of National Parks Realty.

Paul’s passions in life, besides his family, were golfing, serving his community, the MSU Bobcats and the Pittsburg Steelers. Over the years, Paul served on more local boards and nonprofits than we can count. Some of his favorites were the United Way of Missoula County, Dragon Hollow, Whitefish Community Foundation and Whitefish Winter Carnival. Paul was selected as Prime Minister and King of the Whitefish Winter Carnival and he served on the Board of Directors. Because of his dedication to Winter Carnival, Paul was awarded the High Ullr award in 2018, the highest honor given for Winter Carnival.

His favorite place to be, when he wasn’t working, was the Whitefish Lake Golf Course, drinking a Bud Light and telling stories. He enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends but especially enjoyed playing with his dad and siblings.

Paul is survived by his wife of 33 years, Teddi, his son, Jordan (Danielle) and daughter, Cassi; siblings, Tracy, Jay (Robin), and Kristi Summers; his sisters-in-law, Darcel Wesen, Caron (Joe) Lavoie, and Perian Smith; mother-in-law, Diana Burfield; extended family, unofficially adopted kids and friends who loved him dearly.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Jay and Beverly, his father-in-law, Ted Burfield, his brothers-in-law, Mitch Burfield, Scott Summers, and Curt Wesen, his sister-in-law Marcia Durfee and nephew Cody Weaver.

A celebration of life will be held at Whitefish O’Shaughnessy Center on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Whitefish Community Foundation are appreciated.