Douglas Johansen

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.

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  1. I served North Dakota
    Seed Growers as the director of seed programs, as Doug was the seed commissioner. We worked well together and accomplished so many things. When Doug decided to retire, ND
    seed growers lost a great seed commissioner who understood the agricultural challenges facing North Dakota
    growers. Doug and I become close friends and I was lucky that I got to understand him much better in retirement. We talked regularly and I shall miss conversing with him. He was a great friend and like an older brother to me.

  2. Kathleen, Eric, Jacks, Jennifer, and Julianne,
    We are so sorry for your loss. We know the feeling of being without parents and grandparents feeling so untethered and fragile. Please know that we are here for you. Much love being sent your way.
    The Steeges

  3. Fargo ND
    I considered Doug a dear friend! I will miss our conversations at the Elks. My thoughts and prayers are with Doug’s family!


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