O. Walter Johanson died at home on November 20, 2013 at the age of 89. He and his wife, Norma, have been residents in Stevens Point since 1995. After working 37 years in the chemical industry he’s been retired since 1982. During his first job -- a small research laboratory in Minneapolis (Archer Daniels Midland) -- he met and married Norma Torp in 1947 (Norma also worked at the research lab). Eventually, he became a Manager of Quality Control for Plastics and Resins with Ashland Oil and Chemical, living at that time in Upper Arlington, Ohio. While usually shunning his first name (Oscar) he was always known in his working world as Joe. Since retirement, he and Norma travelled, did volunteer work, and lived close to their children and grandchildren (St. Ignace, Michigan and Stevens Point). Born near Flandreau, South Dakota, he graduated in 1942 from Eagan High School. Three years later (1945) Walter completed History and Chemistry degrees at Augustana Lutheran College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Walter was born August 22, 1924 to Swedish immigrant farmers, Carl and Gerda Johanson. He grew up on the farm with three siblings: E. Carl Johanson (deceased), Lily Stadum (Fargo, ND), and Robert (Bob) Johanson (Flandreau, SD). Walter and Norma’s children are Stevens Point residents: Bruce Johanson (with daughter Kallista Johanson) and Rev. Ted Johanson (married to Joan Johanson). Other grandchildren (and spouses) include: Kirsti Johanson (Steve Howe), Marna Johanson (Firas Abu Taha), Rev. Peder Johanson (Kirsten Johanson, nee Kehn), and Luke Johanson (Sarah Johanson, nee Link). Luke and Sarah have a three month old daughter, Ellie Johanson, who is Walter’s only great-grandchild. A funeral service for Walter will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church where he was a member since moving to Stevens Point. Trinity’s pastor, Rev. Steve Olson, will conduct the funeral. Visitation will occur an hour prior to the funeral service. Memorials should be designated for Trinity Lutheran Day Care. Norma and Walter’s family offer their most sincere thanks to Ministry Home Hospice for the wonderful support and care provided over the past couple of months. Walter wished to be at home with Norma and the received hospice care made that wish possible. Particular thanks go to hospice nurses Justin and Bonnie, and care-giving friend Mary.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 04:42:08 +0000
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