Merle Johansen

Merle Eugene Johansen, 77, a resident of rural Underwood, died Sunday, September 12, 2010, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.  He was born May 2, 1933, in Maine Township of Otter Tail County, the son of Bennie and Lila (Andersen) Johansen. He was baptized and confirmed at Sverdrup Lutheran Church. He attended rural school at District #231. Merle entered the service in 1954, serving with the U.S. Army until his discharge in 1956. He also attended Adult Ag classes for many years. On September 17, 1960, he married Valjeanne Rose at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood. They farmed on the home farm in rural Underwood, where Merle milked cows for 65 years until he semi-retired.  He was a member of Sverdrup Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the Underwood Lions. Merle’s lifetime passion was his cows. He also enjoyed antique cars, woodworking, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents; his daughter, Brenda, who passed away in 1985; his grandson, Ryan Klassen, who died in 1995; and his sister, Marilyn, in 1977. Survivors include his wife, Valjeanne, of Underwood; two daughters: Darla (Randy) Klassen of Hillsboro, ND, and Rhonda (Gary) Findlay of Herman; his son, Ardy (Robin) Johansen of Underwood; eight grandchildren: Ethan, Seth, and Logan Johansen, and Tiffany, Megan, Benjamin, Jennifer, and Amber Findlay; a sister, Janice (George) Roelke of Fergus Falls; three brothers: Basil (Priscilla) Johansen of Minneapolis, and Vernon (Janice) Johansen, and Larry (Pat) Johansen all of Underwood; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:  5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a 5:30 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 2 p.m. Thursday, September 16, 2010, at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood Clergy: Reverend Nancy Monke Interment: Sverdrup Lutheran Cemetery, Underwood, MN Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to the LRH Cancer Care Center, Lakeland Hospice, or the Sverdrup Cemetery Fund.