Carolyn Johnsen

carolyn johnsen

January 23, 1931 ~ February 19, 2020

View Carolyn's Tribute Video

Carolyn Johnsen, 89, of Miller and formerly of Wessington, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Funeral service was held at  2:00 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2020 at the First Presbyterian Church, Wessington with Rev. Scott Spiehs officiating.  Burial followed at the Wessington Cemetery.  Visitation was held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Reck Funeral Home, Miller.

Carolyn was born January 23, 1931 at the family farm North East of Blunt, SD to Maurice and Dena (Leesman) Christian.  The family moved to Wessington, SD in 1946, where Carolyn graduated from Wessington High School in 1949.  She was united in marriage to Dale Johnsen June 19, 1949.  She moved from the family farm north of Wessington to Miller in 2006.

Carolyn was a farm wife, mother and friend.  After her children were grown, she worked at the Prairie Center for ten years.  Carolyn enjoyed playing cards, quilting, baking, square dancing, bowling and traveling.  She was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, American Legion Auxiliary of Wessington, LWML and member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wolsey.

Carolyn is survived by her three sons: David (Jeanne) of Fargo, ND, Terry (Gael) and Lynn (Dawn) of Wessington; six grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; five step great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale on April 15, 1996; brother, Willis in October of 1949; infant son, Chris in August of 1957; her parents; stepmother, Myra; and infant great granddaughters: Anna Hazel Johnsen and Arizona Eve Johnsen.

The family request memorials to be directed to the Hand County Memorial Hospital Foundation for assisted living or Wessington American Legion Auxiliary.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Carolyn’s arrangements.

A Visitation was held on February 23, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Reck Funeral Home, 313 E. 1st Ave. in Miller, South Dakota 57362
A Funeral Service was held on February 24, 2020 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church-Wessington, 135 Clare St. West in Wessington, South Dakota 57381
A Graveside Service was held on February 24, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Wessington Cemetery in Wessington, South Dakota 57373

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  1. Katherine Stobbs Splichal says:

    Sorry for you loss. She will be missed.
    Our Deepest Sympathy
    Dick and Kathy Splichal

  2. Terry,Gael,Ally and family.. Sending lots of love and prayers your way. Love, Kathy

  3. We are so sorry to hear about your Mom, Dave. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

  4. We will remember Carolyn for her quiet dignity and sweet smile. We enjoyed seeing her any time our paths crossed through our dear friends Dave and Jeanne and even got a chance to travel with her once. Blessed be her memory. 

  5. Dear Johnson family: My deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear mother. When I first started playing at Concordia, she always welcomed me with her beautiful smile and kind words. She was one of the sweetest women I ever met. Her dedication to her family and church will be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  6. My heart is sorrowful today at the news of Carolyn's passing..She was one of those faithful God-fearing friends to my mom and especially to me as a youth in Trinity Lutheran Church..She taught Sunday school to this shy little girl and blessed me with her ❤️ and guidance .She was truly one of God's angels living her life as a Christian..I treasure my memories of this precious soul. My sympathies to all of you.

  7. My sincere sympathy to the family of Carolyn Johnsen

  8. To the Johnsen families:
    Sorry for the loss of your Mom, grandmother, great grandmother. She was a wonderful friend. I spent much time with her in our growing up years as our families were best of friends. 
    I was delighted to be her maid of honor at her wedding. Enjoyed meeting her for coffee or lunch when we traveled through Miller.
    You have my deepest sympathy.
    Love Charlotte

  9. Ken and Carroll Berntson says:

    What a beautiful video tribute. Carolyn was so beautiful; that smile, that smile!!! You could tell by the way she looked at the children when she was holding them or playing with them how much she loved them. It was a pleasure to visit with Carolyn the few times we were able to when she visited her son Dave and his family in Lisbon, Valley City or Fargo. We have been friends with the family since we taught with Dave in Lisbon ND. We are among Dave and Jeanne's best friends.

  10. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

  11. Johnsen family our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. Steve and Jean Selchert

  12. So sorry to hear about Carolyn's passing. She was a wonderful Christian lady. Such a blessing to her family and everyone around her.
    Love to you all.

  13. To Carolyn's Family,

    I'm very sorry to learn of your mother's death. It saddens me, too, as I have very fond memories of Carolyn teaching Vacation Bible School at Concordia, Wessington, as she was one of my teachers. VBS at Concordia, Wessington each Spring had a significant impact on my life and Carolyn played a major role there. I'll always be grateful for the example she set for not only me but all of us at VBS. I've learned over the years that, when a loved one departs from this world and from us, the only comfort and hope we have, is in our Lord Jesus. I encourage you to keep your hearts and minds focused on Jesus especially at this time of great sadness and sorrow for because of Him, we all shall see our loved ones again, in Eternal Paradise.

  14. To the family of Carolyn, I was lucky enough to spend many hunting seasons with Carolyn and
    Dale. They were always so cordial and accepting of all the pheasant hunters that would impose
    on them every year. It got to be just like family. I am so sorry for your loss and all of us that knew
    her will miss not seeing her at the legion breakfast.
    Ray Rowe

  15. We looked forward to seeing and visiting with Carolyn every fall when we would come to the farm for pheasant hunting. Carolyn made it seem as though we were coming home again. Her welcoming manner, hospitality and great cooking were enjoyed by    all. Tony Johnson 

  16. So sorry to hear of Carolyn's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her when we attended church at Concordia or St Johns. We so appreciated the friendship that she had with Mom and Dad. God's blessings to all of your family.


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