Richard E. Johansen Obituary

A Life Remembered

Richard E. "Dick" Johansen, 99, passed away from this life on January, 22, 2023 at Scottish Rite Park.

Dick was born on February 2, 1923. He was the youngest of nine children born at their home in Newell, Iowa, to Madsine Kristine (Mikkelsen) and John Albert Johansen.

Dick graduated from Newell High School in 1940. He was very proud to have served in the U.S. Army 4th Brigade, 534th EB&SR (Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment) of Amphibious Engineers during World War II from January 1943 until he was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant in January 1946. The 534th participated in invasions of New Guinea, Morotai Island in the Netherlands East Indies and Lingayen Gulf at Luzon, Philippine Islands. Following the Japanese surrender, the unit served with Occupation Forces at Nagoya, Japan.

Dick graduated from Iowa State College in June 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Industry. He met his devoted wife, Mary, at Iowa State College. They were married June 19, 1949, at Marshalltown, Iowa. Their marriage of 67 years was blessed with four children. Mary passed away from this life on May 4, 2017.

In the span of his Dairy Industry career of 39 years, Dick worked for Jo-Mar Dairy, Salina, Kansas; Des Moines Co-operative Dairy, Des Moines, Iowa; and Anderson-Erickson Dairy, Des Moines, Iowa.

Survivors include children: Phyllis (Kent) Johnson, Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Donald (Diane) Johansen, Gainesville, Georgia; Martha (Stuart) Mitchell, Windsor Heights, Iowa; and John (Kendra) Johansen, Urbandale, Iowa; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and their families.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff of Scottish Rite Park and Iowa Methodist Medical Center (CCU, Younkers and Powell) for their exceptional care for Dick and his family.

Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines on Friday, February 3, 2023, with a funeral service to follow beginning at 11:00 am. Interment with military honors will be held that same day at 2:00 pm at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, near Van Meter, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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