Darwin “Joe” Johansen

Darwin “Joe” Eugene Johansen, age 80, was born on December 1, 1942, the son of Leo and Veletta (Anderson) Johansen in Mitchell, SD. Joe grew up in Woonsocket, SD and graduated from high school in 1961. He attended Huron College for one year. Joe married Sharon Scott on August 22, 1970 in Wessington, SD.

Joe began work at Armours in 1962 in Huron, SD. He moved to Adrian, MN in 1970 with Armours and moved to Worthington in 1976 till present. He continued to work at Armours until plant closure in 1983. He then worked for Bedford Industries for 3 1/2 years. After Bedford Industries, he worked at Minnesota West Community College for 18 years.

Joe served our country in the Army. He was active duty from 1964-1966. He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He served 27 years and retired from the 452nd Army reserve unit in 1999 as an E7.

During retirement he enjoyed men’s coffee group at Hy-Vee and traveling. He spent the winter months in Florida for five years and in Arizona for five years.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed camping, hunting, boating, and fishing for many years. Joe loved hunting, especially wild turkeys in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota with his brother Ardell and friends. His highlight was taking grandsons Karter and Konner and being there when Karter got his first turkey. Joe enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He spent many hours supporting them in Minnesota and Arizona in all of their activities. Joe was a loyal Minnesota sports fan. He enjoyed cheering on the Vikings, Twins, Gophers, and the Wild.

He loved being a husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. His family was the most important thing to him. He loved time spent with family.

Joe passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Sunset Hospice Cottage surrounded by family.

Joe is survived by his wife Sharon of 52 years; daughter, Michelle (Kirk) Honius of Worthington, daughter, Nicole (Keith) Branstiter of Phoenix, AZ; stepson, Casey (Robin) Paulsen of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren, Kara (Nicholas) Kramer, Kody, Karter and Konner Honius of Worthington and Luke, Hannah and Ella Branstiter of Phoenix, and great granddaughter, McKenna Jo Kramer.

Joe was preceded in death by his daughter, Kristine, his parents, mother-in-law, Millie Scott and father-in-law, Earl Scott, and also two stepdads, Walt Johansen and Hugh Conley.

Joe’s funeral service with celebration of life will be at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at American Lutheran Church in Worthington, MN, with Dr. Reverend Anne Hokenstad officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Monday, April 3, 2023 at American Lutheran Church and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Joe’s grandsons will serve as casket bearers.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington in charge of arrangements.