Darrell "Joe" Johansen

Darrell “Joe”Johansen died on February 1st, 2019, at his home in
Overland Park, KS, following an aggressive battle with cancer.
Joe was an only child born to Alfred and Ruby Johansen on October 21,
1939, in Plainview, Nebraska.
Joe attended Norfolk Junior College upon graduation from high school
in May 1957. He joined the Air Force in May 1958, serving in Germany
before being honorably discharged after the death of his father in August
of 1959. Joe operated the family farm upon his return from Germany; and
the success of the farm remains an asset in the family today! Baseball was
Joe’s all-time favorite sport and he had been recruited to play baseball
for the Air Force just prior to his discharge; unfortunately not being able
to play ball for the Air Force. He eventually played semi-pro baseball
from 1960 to 1965.
Joe married his wife Phyllis of Meadow Grove, Nebraska on December
20, 1959; they lived and operated the Johansen family farm in Plainview,
Nebraska until moving to Norfolk, Nebraska in 1966, where he went to
work for Postal Finance Co. Shortly after, the family moved to Sioux City,
Iowa, where Joe joined the home office of Postal Finance, and raised their
children John, Scot, and Jan through their high school years. A job
change moved Joe and Phyllis to Overland Park, KS in 1982; where their
children ultimately joined them, making Kansas City the family home. Joe
and the entire family became die-hard fans of the Kansas City Royals,
Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas Jayhawks basketball.
Joe was in financial/insurance product sales for over 40 years; traveling
throughout the USA and abroad until retiring in 2006.
Joe and Phyllis lived in Overland Park for 36 years; both being very active
members of Atonement Lutheran Church.
Joe truly enjoyed spending time with his family, children and
grandchildren, especially at all of the sporting events and activities of his
grandchildren. He was also an avid golfer, walking at least 3 rounds of
golf each week prior to his illness, and recorded 7 hole-in-ones!
Joe is survived by the the love of his life, Phyllis, of 59 years; his son John
(Richelle) grandchildren Amanda and Jake; his son Scot (Leslie) and
grandchildren Jace and Carlie; and his daughter Jan (Dave) and
grandchildren Mackenzie and Tanner.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Ruby Johansen.
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Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM on Friday, February 8th,
with the memorial service immediately following
Atonement Lutheran Church,
9948 Metcalf Ave
Overland Park, Kansas 66212
A lunch reception will follow the services in the Charter Hall
at Atonement Lutheran Church.
***
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Joe
can be made to the following:
Atonement Lutheran Church @ atoneluth.org
St. Jude Children’s Hospital @ stjude.org
Kansas City Hospice House @ kansascityhospice.org
The family will have a private burial following the luncheon at
Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 9501 W. 159th Street, Overland Park, KS 66221