Douglas Johansen

Douglas G. Johansen, age 84, passed away on Saturday, August 17th at his home in Fargo, North Dakota surrounded by family. Douglas was born on January 17, 1929 in Edinburg, ND to Henry and Frances (Murphy) Johansen. He graduated from Edinburg High School with the class of 1946. He served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Douglas went on to earn a bachelors’ degree from NDSU. He then attended the University of Wisconsin for his masters’ degree in Plant Pathology. While attending, Doug met his future wife, a fellow master’s degree student, Dorothy A. Layton. They were married in 1956.

Doug had extensive work experience throughout his life in agriculture. He worked as a plant pathologist for the Minnesota Seed certification program. He then worked for the North Dakota State Seed Department where he served as State Seed commissioner. He also directed North Dakota State Potato Programs and was instrumental in the building of Johansen Hall.

Douglas was involved in many groups throughout his life including the Shriners and the Elks. He was most extensively involved with the Elks organization, where he served as Exalted Ruler.

Left to mourn his loss are his children, Diane( Steve)  Hues of Boise, ID; Linda Bucholtz  (Mark) of Moorton, ND;  Laura Westerholm of Fargo ,ND;  Kathleen(Eric) Steege of Bayport, MN; his ten grandchildren, Peter Bucholtz, April Bucholtz, Jackie Steege, Jennifer Steege, Julianne Steege, Carissa Bucholtz, Ann Hues,  John Hues, Zack Olsby, and Luke Olsby; siblings, Marjorie Erikson of Cooperstown, ND ; Wally (Susie) Johansen of Eugene, OR;  Gerald(Jan) Johansen of Lutsen, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, brothers, Clinton, Robert, Ralph, Donald, and Richard and his sister, Norma.