FLORENCE O. JOHANSEN

Florence O. Johansen, 88, of Devils Lake formerly of Esmond, ND passed away on Saturday evening, August 16, 2014 at her home in the loving care of her dear family and Altru Hospice. Funeral Services for Florence will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Florence Olivia, daughter of John and Walburga (Wentz) Sander was born on August 12, 1926 on the family farm, southwest of Esmond, ND. She was raised in the Esmond area, educated there and graduated from Esmond High School in 1945. While in high school and before her marriage, Florence worked in a grocery store, café, bar and as a secretary at the creamery. Florence was united in marriage to Arnold Johansen on May 3, 1947 at Kent, Washington. Florence and Arnold would make their home in many places including Washington, Wyoming, Nebraska, North Dakota and Montana, as Arnold was a heavy equipment mechanic for a construction company that traveled throughout the US. After marriage and the birth of 2 of her children, Florence attended Minot State Teacher’s College and graduated from Mayville State Teacher’s College with her teaching certificate. She then taught elementary education in schools in North Dakota and Montana. Arnold passed away on July 17, 1971 in Conrad, MT from injuries in a train/motor vehicle accident. Florence and the family moved to Devils Lake in 1972 and made it their home until her death. In her younger years, Florence enjoyed playing basketball, roller skating, ice skating, dancing, bowling, sewing and gardening. She was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts and belonged to Parents Without Partners. In recent years, she enjoyed garage sales, crossword puzzles and visiting with friends. As a widow with six young children, Florence persevered through all of the hard times with determination and courage. She gave unconditional love and was so proud of her children and grandchildren. Florence is survived by her children Bradley Johansen, Devils Lake, Rodney (Tonsie) Johansen, Libby, MT, Jeffrey Johansen, St. Paul, MN, Kelly (Colleen) Johansen, Barry Johansen, and Bonnie (Dan) Ness all of Devils Lake; eleven grandchildren, Tabatha (Howard) Mann, Carmen (Joe) Jacobson, Joshua K. Johansen; Ryan, Derek, Lance, Nichole and Joshua Johansen, Danielle (Mat) Malek, Nikki Ness and Wyatt Ness; nine great grandchildren, Andrew, Jordan, Samantha, Issac; Eddie, Victor, Samantha J., Adrien; Parker; two great great grandchildren Conner and River; sister Delores Wolfe, McVille, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arnold; brothers Victor and James Sander; sister Irene Bergsrud. Casket Bearers for Florence will be Wyatt Ness, Josh Johansen, Ryan Johansen and Eddie Morrison. Reading Scripture will be Kelly Johansen, a special tribute to Florence will be given by Jeff Johansen and music will be provided by Danielle Malek and Lynda Pearson.