The man who defined youth baseball in Kalispell has died. Dan Johns died peacefully last Wednesday (9/3) in Hillsboro, Oregon. He was 79.
Just last week, the Kalispell City Council voted to re-name Kidzsports the Dan Johns Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex in honor of his founding efforts.
Dan Johns grew up on Kalispell’s East Side, playing Pee Wee baseball from a young age. He attended Hedges Elementary, Central Junior High and graduated from Flathead High School in 1964.
In Pee Wee, Babe Ruth and Legion ball, Dan’s left-handed curve-ball was legendary. He later pitched for the St Olaf College Oles in Minnesota.
Dan’s love for the Valley brought him back in 1979, where he practiced labor law at the firm that is now Crowley Fleck. But his love of youth baseball never left his heart. For all he contributed to our city, Dan received the Great Chief Award from the Kalispell Chamber in 2000. Anytime anyone spoke of Dan’s creation, the Miracle League field, a tear would come to his eyes.
Those who knew and remember Don Johns are invited to a memorial service at 11AM Saturday, October 18th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, Dan’s children request donations to the Miracle League of NW Montana.
