Valjeanne Johansen

Valjeanne Estelle Johansen, 73, of Underwood, Minnesota, died Monday, December 2, 2013, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls.

She was born August 18, 1940, in Carlisle Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the daughter of Walter and Esther (Trenne) Rose. The family later moved to a farm north of Underwood where Valjeanne grew up with her sister and two brothers. She was baptized on September 29, 1940 at the First English Lutheran Church, and confirmed in July of 1955 at Sverdrup Lutheran Church, Underwood. She attended country school, and then the Underwood School. In her sophomore year she began attending Fergus Falls High School, as she helped to care for her grandmother in Fergus Falls, graduating from there in 1958. Her Underwood classmates consider her part of their graduating class too. After high school she worked at various jobs.

On September 17, 1960, she married Merle Johansen at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood. To this union were born four children. They farmed on the family farm until Merle’s semi-retirement, and then moved to their present location.

She was a member of Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood, where she was a member of WELCA and helped out with the quilters.

Valjeanne’s greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. She loved to take care of her grandchildren and spoil them. Valjeanne was a hard worker helping out on the farm and also loved to work in her vegetable garden and flower beds. She was a terrific cook and baker. She loved to make the grandkid’s favorite chocolate cookies and red hotdish.

Valjeanne and Merle belonged to the “Pairs and Squares” square dancing club for many years. They also went golfing every Sunday. She also belonged to the Underwood Lioness for several years.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Merle, daughter, Brenda, grandson, Ryan, and sisters-in-law Marilyn and Priscilla.

Survivors include her children: Darla (Randy) Klassen of Hillsboro ND, Rhonda (Gary) Findlay of Herman MN, and Ardy (Robin) Johansen of Underwood; eight grandchildren: Tiffany, Megan, Ben, Jennifer and Amber Findlay, Ethan, Seth, and Logan Johansen; sister, Lavonne (Ellard) Johnson; brothers: W. Duane (Carol) Rose and Lyle (Rosalie) Rose; an aunt, Adeline Rose; sisters and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to Sverdrup Lutheran Bell Choir or LRH Cancer Care and Research Center in Fergus Falls.
Visitation: 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Saturday at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2013, at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood MN
Clergy: Reverend Nancy Monke and Chaplain Harry Olson
Interment: Sverdrup Lutheran Cemetery, Underwood
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.