Harold Wayne Johansen was born on July 2, 1927 in Harrison County, Iowa, to Herman and Esther (Honnaker) Johansen. He passed away at Aspire Nursing Home in Estherville, Iowa on September 21, 2024 at the age of 97 years.
He graduated from Dow City High School in 1944. In 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy. According to Harold, the Japanese heard he joined and shortly there after they signed the armistice to end the war and avoid facing him. He returned to the Terril area in 1945, where he went to work for DEK. Harold married Arlene Kroenke on June 12, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville.
Harold started farming in March 1951 in Dickinson County. He and Arlene lived on the Olaf Twedt farm for five years. The couple then moved to Emmet County in January 1956 and lived on the Joe Betty Farm for 21 years. In March 1977, they moved to Dickinson County to the Currell farm. Harold raised cattle and crops throughout the years, he retired at age 72, but continued to ride in the combine up until age 80.
Harold was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Terril. He enjoyed collecting and restoring Massey-Harris tractors and going on tractor rides. He enjoyed displaying his antique Massey-Harris tractors at the Clay County Fair. He truly enjoyed being with all his grand and great grandkids and attending their sporting events. Also enjoyed traveling around the country to visit relatives and friends.
Harold is survived by his children, David Johansen and his wife, Mary of Estherville; Stan Johansen and his wife, Marilyn of Terril; Jane Preston and her husband, Paul of Swea City, Iowa and Sue Berberich and her husband, Troy of Royal, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Harold is preceded in death by his wife; his son Jerry Johansen; his sisters June Jarvi and Eleanor Schwenn; and his brother Merrill Johansen.
Memorials are preferred to St. Croix Hospice or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Terril.
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