Donald Johnsen, of Crookston, MN, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away from complications from recent illnesses on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Riverview Hospital in Crookston, MN.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday at Johnson Funeral Service.
Donald Guy Johnsen was born in Kenmare, ND, on March 24, 1933, to Guy and Gladys (Donnelly) Johnsen. He was the oldest of three children. He was raised on a farm, which, during his younger years, did not yet have electricity or running water. Daily chores and hard work were part of growing up. Though he did not remain a farmer, he did pursue a career in agriculture.
He attended North Dakota Agricultural College, now NDSU, and was among the first Farm House Fraternity members in 1955. Throughout his life, Don professed his love for NDSU and faithfully cheered on the Bison football team. He received a teaching degree and taught ag and other classes at various high schools, as well as being an FFA instructor, before obtaining his masters degree at the University of Minnesota.
In college, Don was in the R.O.T.C. After college, he was commissioned into the Air Force and served three years, including a stay in Japan, where he reached the rank of Captain.
While obtaining his masters degree in St. Paul, he met the love of his life, Leanore Lilleodden. They married in Hanska, MN, on July 9th, 1966. The following year, Don began his career as a farm management instructor at the AVTI in Thief River Falls, MN. Don and Leanore built a home in the country where they raised three lovely daughters: Marna, Rebekah, and Patricia.
The love of music was instilled in Don at a young age. Don played clarinet, saxophone, harmonica, and was an excellent singer, even with the onset of dementia. He shared these talents many times, including special music performances at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church, and performing as a family in nursing homes in the Thief River Falls area. When his grandchildren were young, it was always a fun time as he led them in harmonica parades inside their home. Don was also always up for partnering up with someone on the dance floor!
Until the end, he continued to enjoy his family, reading, doing word finds, and playing along with Wheel of Fortune on TV. He kept his family entertained with many stories from his youth.
Don served the Lord faithfully. He was an adult Sunday school teacher, and as a Gideon, he would speak at area churches to help spread the Word of God. He was also an active member of the Golden Pioneers.
Don has been to several countries and also obtained his goal of visiting all 50 US states. Many of these were visited as a family on cross country trips in the station wagon. In recent years, Don was eager to inform others that he had been everywhere – including every country. May everyone who heard his ‘tall tale’ fondly think of Don when they hear Johnny Cash singing “I’ve Been Everywhere”! We are comforted to know he saved his greatest journey for last, as he is welcomed into his Heavenly home.
Don is survived by his wife Leanore; daughters Marni Kelly, Rebekah (Steve) Ness, and Patti (Brandon) Dexter; grandchildren Alyssa, Josh, Brianna, Nathan, Parker, Owen, and Stella; brother Lyle (Sue) Johnsen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joan (Ellis) Christianson.
