Longtime Rathdrum Resident Kathaleen R. Johnson Dies at 92

Johnson was a devoted wife, mother, and entrepreneur who lived a life centered on family and hard work.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:05am

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Kathaleen Roberta Johnson, a longtime resident of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 92. Born in Nampa, Idaho in 1933, Johnson grew up in Council, Idaho and later lived in Rosalia and Spangle, Washington before graduating from Kamiah High School in 1951. She married Richard "Jack" Johnson in 1951, and together they raised nine children and built a life around hard work and family.

Why it matters

Johnson's life story reflects the values and experiences of many longtime residents of small towns and rural communities in the American West, where family, entrepreneurship, and a strong work ethic were central to daily life. Her passing marks the end of an era for her loved ones and the broader community.

The details

Throughout her life, Johnson worked a variety of jobs to support her family, including as a meat cutter at the family business Clearwater Custom Cutting in Kamiah, Idaho, a baker in Coeur d'Alene, and a meat cutter at Harry's Market before retiring from meat wrapping at Y-J Packing. In retirement, she ran a successful Avon business and raised chickens and rabbits, selling eggs. Johnson was also a talented embroiderer, creating beautiful handmade kitchen towels for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

  • Kathaleen Roberta Johnson was born on May 12, 1933 in Nampa, Idaho.
  • She graduated from Kamiah High School in 1951.
  • Johnson married Richard "Jack" Johnson on June 3, 1951.
  • The family moved to Rathdrum, Idaho in 1971.
  • Kathaleen Johnson passed away on March 24, 2026 at the age of 92.

The players

Kathaleen Roberta Johnson

A longtime resident of Rathdrum, Idaho who passed away at the age of 92. She was a devoted wife, mother, and entrepreneur who lived a life centered on family and hard work.

Richard "Jack" Johnson

Kathaleen's husband, with whom she built a life and raised nine children. Together they ran a meat cutting business called Clearwater Custom Cutting in Kamiah, Idaho.

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What’s next

A rosary service will be held on Monday, March 30 at 6 p.m. at the English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rathdrum, Idaho, followed by graveside services at Pinegrove Cemetery in Rathdrum. A reception in the parish hall will follow to celebrate Katie's life.

The takeaway

Kathaleen Johnson's life exemplified the values of hard work, family, and community that have long defined small-town life in the American West. Her passing marks the end of an era, but the legacy of her handmade crafts and entrepreneurial spirit will live on through her large family and the Rathdrum community she called home for over 50 years.