Floyd Johannsen

Floyd LeRoy Johannsen was born March 15, 1937 in Sterling, Illinois to Nicholas August and Ruth (Grove) Johannsen.

He was placed in an orphanage (Peek Home) in Polo. Illinois in 1938 where he lived for 14 years.

His sister Alice and her husband Maurice Wick put him through high school while living in their home in Rock Falls, Illinois with their son, Dr. Lawrence Wick.

A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa in 1963, he taught school in Iowa and Illinois.

International Harvester, Koehring Krane and Hyster Company were manufacturing companies where he was employed with.

He built houses in Illinois, Washington and New Mexico and helped remodel a church in Nome, Alaska with his family and church friends.

His last 10 years of employment were with State Farm Insurance as a structural estimator. This was his favorite job.

Board member, Council vocational education, PTA president, Government Title I Program, Illinois licensed wrestling official and scoutmaster were areas of community involvement.

Married to Frances K. Renning of Shell Rock, Iowa in 1962 with whom a son Steven and daughters, Kristine (Moore) and Kari (Villalongja) were added to the family.

Married to Shirley A. Padrick (Messer) in 1988 and enjoyed years together in their house they built in New Mexico.

Stepson Jeff and stepdaughter Tammy became part of his family.

He and his brother Chuck served in the army. Floyd was stationed with the 94th Combat Engineering Division in Germany. His brother Fred was in the Bataan Death March and spent 3 ½ years as a prisoner of the Japanese.

He is survived by his children, Steven (Nanette) Johannsen, Kristine (Mike) Moore, Kari (Alain) Villalongja; grandchildren, Valaria Johannsen, Tyler Moore, Kirstin Johnnsen, Megan Moore, Kevin Villalongja, and Alex Villalongja; his brother Chuck (Era) Johannsen; as well as many friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alice Wick; brother, Fred Johannsen; and brother-in-law, Maurice Wick.

Floyd was known for his quotes and his favorite one was:

"We get too soon old and too late smart."