Harvey Johansen, 86, of Grand Island died Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Nebraska Veterans Home.
Memorial services will be at 11 am Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home. The Reverend Jay Vetter will officiate. Burial of ashes will be at a later date.
Harvey was born on January 18, 1925 near Farwell, Nebraska to Peter and Isabelle (Harvey) Johansen. He grew up on a farm near Farwell and received his education at District 24 country school. He graduated from Elba High School in 1943.
He entered the United States Navy on January 23, 1945 and was trained at the Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, IL. He spent the remainder of his tour on a troop transport ship, the USS Collingsworth APA146, in the South China Sea. He was honorably discharged on April 25, 1946.
Harvey was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Anderson, on November 19, 1947 in St. Paul, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Grand Island and spent 63 loving years together. Harvey and Ruth attended fourteen Navy reunions around the United States, making numerous new friends along the way.
Following his discharge he worked as an apprentice for Sothman Lumber on the GI Bill. He then worked for various companies before starting his own carpentry business.
Harvey was a long time member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Platt Duetsche and the American Legion.
He loved to dance, especially polka and waltzes with Ruth. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, boating, taking bus trips to the casinos, and playing the slots. His favorite treat was a Wendy's Frosty.
He had great love for his family and enjoyed when they came home to visit. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were a great joy in his life.
Survivors of the immediate family include his wife Ruth of Grand Island, a daughter Jan (Steve) Stoltenberg of Omaha, three sons; James (Betty) Johansen of North Platte, Ron Johansen of Grand Island, and Robert (Melody) Johansen of Denver, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law Pam Johansen, two brothers and sisters-in-law; William (Joanna) Johansen and Willard (June) Johansen, three sisters; Anna (Harry) Hansen, Beulah (William) Keller and Betty (Raymond) Bonczynski, and two special nephews; Robert Hansen and Clyde Beavers.