Jean Adell Johansen

Jean, born March 22, 1930, passed away on Sat. February 11, 2023 at age 92. We lost our resident angel when Jean passed peacefully to be with the Lord.

She was proceeded in death by parents Henry and Luba Sandberg, sisters, LaVonne Sandberg and Bette Love; brother, Roger.

Survived by loving husband, Donald; children: Mark (Deb), Phil (Deb), Mike (Julie), Pam Pixley (Doug), and Pete (Kelle); grandchildren: Chad, Jessica Muonio (Jake), Brianna Juhnke (Zac), Gunnar, Chloe, Carson Pixley, Dawson Pixley; step-grandchildren: Phil Bangert (Maggie), Eric Bangert, Jeff Knotz (Annette), Tammy Knotz (Jake Berger), Matt Knotz; 19 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Growing up in rural Minnesota gave Jean a background which shaped her being. An excellent student, she graduated with highest honors from Thief River Falls High School. Jean attended Bemidji State Teachers College to prepare her for elementary teaching. Bemidji is where she met her husband, Don.

Jean and Don married June 28, 1953; together for 69 years. They raised five children, that was not a chore but a delight. She shared that delight with her sister, Bette, who also had five children and her brother, Roger (Sandy) who had two children. Jean and Bette were frequent visitors in each others homes and lifetime companions. Several family vacations were enjoyed in Maine visiting Roger and his family. Interacting and caring for family was Jean’s purpose in life.

Jean enjoyed a wide variety of activities including House of Hope Church, bridge, golf, winter sports, travel, summer cabin, Serendipity, theater and many more. Jean and Don spent several years wintering in Mesa, AZ at Casa de Paz where they enjoyed a whole new community of friends. Jean had a special knack for shopping, which was a contact sport, and the prize was a “sale.” Though small in stature, she played a large role in the lives of others. Life was too much fun to waste. Just being alive was a GRAND SLAM, BID AND MADE!

There will be a Celebration of Life at House of Hope Church, New Hope, MN on Friday, May 19 at 11:00 AM. Visitation one hour prior.  A luncheon will follow the gathering. Private inurnment will take place at MN State Veterans Cemetery - Little Falls (Camp Ripley).