Herman J. Johnsen

Herman J. Johnsen, 83, Rockford, died Saturday, December 5, 2009, in Wesley Willows Retirement Home. He was born in Rockford on May 17, 1926, and was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. Herman was the son of Mally and Oscar Johnsen, who were both born in Norway. He graduated from Rockford East High School in 1945, and served in the Navy. Herman graduated in 1952 from the University of Oregon in Eugene. He married Marjorie Cleven, in Rockford, on October 11, 1952. He was a partner in the architectural firm, Baucom and Johnsen Architects in Beloit, WI and later he worked for Ed Ward and Associates in Rockford. He loved the big historic house he bought on Garfield Ave. where he helped organize residents who worked together to close part of the street for the safety of the many children who lived there. Herman had an interest in model trains and a love of antique cars and airplanes. He volunteered at Midway Village Museum, tutored at Haskell School in reading classes, served on various committees at Broadway United Methodist Church and later at Court Street United Methodist Church where he also served at the Annual Conference. Herman is deeply loved by his family and gave much joy to everyone he met. He was the best husband, dad, and grandfather ever, sharing his laughter, kindness, and love for life and family."His song is in our souls" Survived by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie M. Johnsen; children, Curtis J. (Kim) Johnsen of Rockford, Peter J. (Jane) Johnsen of Woodbury, MN, and Beth (Dennis) Donahue of Rockford; grandchildren, Jeffrey R. Donahue, Emily R. (Steven) Dickey, Ingrid R. (Tony) Johnsen, Eric P. and Curtis J. Johnsen; soon to be great grandson, Ryan "Olaf" Dickey. Predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Mally Johnsen.Funeral services will be 11 am, Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Rockton Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av. Rockford, IL, 61103. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at the funeral home. A memorial will be established at a later date. Send online condolences to www.fitzgeraldfh.com.