Tana Jean (Pfau) Johnson was born on December 2, 1957, in Sidney, Montana, to Peter and Jean (Goldsmith) Pfau and two older brothers. Tana attended the Sidney school system from 1st grade until graduation. She then attended UND/ Williston for one year. During that time she gave birth to Alicia Cahill, in 1977. She gave Alicia up for adoption so her newborn daughter could have a better life. On December 2nd, she was united in marriage to Ron Emly. To that union Shalako Earl was born on January 12, 1979. Ron and Tana divorced in November of 1981. In 1985, Tana and Shalako moved to Great Falls where she attended college. She attained three degrees: Associates Degree in Computer Science, a Bachelors Degree in Human Services, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Social Work. Tana and Shalako discovered Great Falls together.
On August 8th, 1992, Tana and Shalako were united in marriage to David Johnson. In 1996, the three of them moved to Miles City. Shalako entered the U.S. Army on June 12th, 1997.
Tana and David moved to Billings in 2000, where Tana worked as a Daycare Licensor, for the State of Montana, for the better part of 20 years.
Tana died on Tuesday evening, January 10, 2017, at the Riverstone Health Hospice, Billings, MT. Tana fought a long and courageous battle with cancer for many years, but died from conditions due to AML.
Tana leaves behind her husband, David of 24+ years, her son, Shalako (Hayley) and granddaughter Addisyn; her daughter Alicia Hutzenbiler (JJ) and grandchildren Logan and Lorelai; one brother, Lon (Mary) Pfau, along with a nephew, Ryan (Laurel); sister-in-law, Mary Pfau, and nephew Jeremy, along with two great nieces Kassidy and Kenzie; a niece, Jessie; a nephew, Justin Johnson and two great nephews, Derrick and Brian; and numerous cousins and friends.
Tana is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Jean Pfau, brother Jay, maternal and paternal grandparents, along with numerous aunts and uncles, and cousins.