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In Memoriam

Donald C. Johnsen

Donald C Johnsen
Donald C Johnsen

July 14, 1946 - March 4, 2024

 

 

 

U.S. Veteran

Donald Charles Johnsen, age 77, passed away on March 4th, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon.  He was born on July 14, 1946 in Oak Park, Illinois to George and Angelina Johnsen.  He graduated from Lyons Township High School, Western Springs, Illinois, in 1964.  Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and become a paratrooper for the 101st Airborne Division, serving gallantly with special forces in the Viet Nam war.  He earned a silver star, a bronze star for valor, a purple heart and a gallantry cross.  After the service, he graduated with honors from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts and sciences.

After working for the State of Illinois for a few years in Springfield, Don was offered a job at the University of Washington in the procurement department.  He could finally move to the state he had dreamed of--Washington.   He later received a promotion to Purchasing Manager for the State of Washington in Olympia. He remained there for over 30 years and retired in 2010.  His hobbies included fly fishing, catch and release only, for wild steelhead and gardening, being partial to fragrant and uncommon plants.  He was a perfectionist and excelled in whatever his interests were, including bamboo fly rods, collectible Hardy Perfect reels, vintage fishing flies, etc. He married Susan (Green) Johnsen on August 19, 1989, and was a devoted, loving husband for 34 years.   

Don enjoyed travels to England, to British Columbia to fish at the Silver Hilton Hodge for catch-and-release of wild steelhead, and to Hawaii where he married Susan, and also visited several times with family and friends.  He is survived by his wife, 3 brother-in-laws, 2 sister-in-laws, 7 nieces, 2 nephews, 4 great-nieces and 5 great-nephews.  He loved them all.

 

 

https://www.colemanmortuary.net/obituary/donald-johnsen