Montfort A. Johnsen

Montfort A. Johnsen (Monty), 96, of Danville, IL passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 26, 1925. He was the son of James Henry and Eltsie Wiltsie Johnsen. After completing a year of college at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute Monty, then 17, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. For part of his four years in the service he served as an Ensign on the U.S.S. Bremerton heavy cruiser in the South Pacific. Upon being Honorably Discharged he completed his education at Denver University, the University of Colorado and the University of Illinois, majoring in Inorganic Chemistry.

In 1943 he left a teaching position to join the aerosol industry, becoming the Director of Research at the Continental Filling Corporation, Danville, IL. Two years later he joined with others to found the Peterson Filling & Packing Company, also in Danville, IL. As V.P. R&D he was responsible for research, product development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, environmental affairs and other technical activities. The company prospered, at one point operating aerosol filling facilities in five countries. During his 32 years with the firm Monty authored three textbooks, contributed to several others, wrote about 250 articles for journals and gave around 200 speeches. He was also active in what is now known as the Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) which has over 300 corporate members. Monty became their President in 1981 and served on their Board for eleven years, receiving Man-of-the-Year and other prestigious awards. He retired in 1987 but was called back to work for the aerosol company as their consultant. The firm, now known as KIK Custom Products, Inc., has a 550,000 square foot plant in Danville, IL, and employs over 900 people.

As a consultant Monty formed Montfort A. Johnsen & Assoc., Ltd. Undertaking projects for KIK, but also for the U.N., the U.S.EPA, Procter & Gamble, DuPont, Colgate and many other marketers. During this time, he visited at least twenty countries, lecturing, problem-solving and giving technical advice.

Monty is survived by his wife, Marie Antoinette Johnsen, daughter, Jo Ellen Ringer of Middleton, ID; step-children, Dean Kosinski of Warrenville, SC, Tamara Lambert of Danville, IL, Timothy Lambert of Westville, IL; step-grandchildren, Ellen Kosinski of Warrenville, SC, Daniel Kosinski of Warrenville, SC, and great granddaughter, Lexi Biage. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Cora Neumann, daughter, Carol Johnsen and stepson, Warren Kosinski. Other family members include a niece, Dr. Caryn Neumann of Columbus, OH, and cousin, Price Lodge of Sun City, AZ.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Monty’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please join Monty’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

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