Dale Edward Johnsen, 87 years of age, of Wilcox, died Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the CHI Health - Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Dale was born on February 12, 1933, northeast of Wilcox, in Kearney County, Nebraska, the fifth of eight sons, to George and Viola (Hawkinson) Johnsen. Dale was baptized at his parent’s home on June 10, 1945. He attended Wilcox Public School, and graduated with the class of 1950.
Following his graduation, he began farming. On March 19, 1953, Dale was inducted into the United States Army and served as a Corporal during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Conflict Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Dale was honorably discharged on February 26, 1955.
On June 24, 1956, Dale was united in marriage to Augusta Ann “Gussie” Jesse at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, south of Hildreth, Nebraska. He was confirmed on March 31, 1957 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wilcox. This union was blessed with two daughters: Deborah and Catherine. The couple lived on a farm north of Wilcox until 2003 when they retired from farming and moved to town.
Dale enjoyed farming for over 50 years and operated a disc-rolling business for several years as well. He had an avid interest in many sports, especially UNL football. Dale served on various church, school, community, and county boards.
Dale was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers: Lawrence Johnsen and wife, Juanita “Nita” Woollen and her second husband, Bernard C. “Bernie” Woollen; Lloyd Johnsen; Wayne Johnsen; and Glen Johnsen and his wife, Karen; two sisters-in-law: Barbara Sanders; and Doris Jesse; three brothers-in-law: Ward Nelson; Delbert Davisson; and Gary Heimsoth; and one nephew, Randy Johnsen.
He leaves to cherish is memory: his wife of 63 years, Gussie Johnsen of Wilcox; two daughters: Deb Johnsen of Kearney; and Cathy Johnsen of Wilcox; one granddaughter: Amber Johnsen of Wilcox; two brothers: Arlan Johnsen and his wife, Elaine of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Gary Johnsen and his wife, Liz of Stapleton, Nebraska; six sisters-in-law: Verle Johnsen of Wilcox; Rogene Johnsen of Wiley, Colorado; RoJean Nelson of Wilcox; Mariann Davisson of Franklin, Nebraska; Marilyn Heimsoth of Omaha, Nebraska; and Betty Hunt and her husband, Ron of Hildreth, Nebraska; one brother-in-law, Leon Sanders of Columbus, Nebraska; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held prior to service at the church.
Funeral Services for Dale E. Johnsen will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wilcox, Nebraska with Pastor Nathan Abel officiating. Interment will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, south of Wilcox with Military Honors provided by the United States Army Military Funeral Honors Team. The funeral service will be live-streamed at www.stjohnslutheranwilcox.org
Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed. The Johnsen family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Dale’s services based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.
A memorial has been established in Dale’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for future designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox is in charge of the arrangements