Gale Johnsen

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS PLEASE DIRECT MEMORIALS TO THE FAMILY AND THEY WILL APPLY THEM TO THE WOODBINE RECREATION CENTER

Gale Lynn Johnsen was born January 10, 1953, to Lynn and Juanita (Heim) Johnsen in Logan, Iowa. He was raised in the Logan area until his junior year in high school and then the family moved to Woodbine. He graduated from Woodbine High School in 1971. Gale was involved in athletics in high school placing second in state in wrestling. Gale bought the Corn Palace in 1972 and ran this business until his brother Charlie bought it. Gale started farming with his parents in 1975. Gale married Debra Heistand on August 12, 1978, at the United Methodist Church in Woodbine. The family made their home in Woodbine and was blessed with three children.

Gale loved his life, family and friends. He lived by the Golden Rule and his charismatic nature and caring attitude was a priority in his life;�a stranger to Gale was a new�friend he hadn't met. Gale enjoyed raising his children on the farm and once Deb went to work he changed more diapers than anyone. Gale loved to travel and go to the Iowa State football games. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he loved spending time with them and his family and friends.

Gale died on August 3, 2010, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 57 years, six months and 24 days.

Gale was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Lynn Johnsen; two brothers, Rex and Barney Johnsen; sister-in-law, Barb Johnsen; and parents-in-law, John and Kathryn Walpus. He is survived by his wife, Deb Johnsen of Woodbine, Iowa; three children, Jason (Teresa) Johnsen, Sara (Eric) Miller, and Brandon Johnsen all of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Payton & Benny Johnsen and Will, Elli, and Leo Miller; mother, Juanita Johnsen of Woodbine, Iowa, two brothers, John (Leia) Johnsen of Logan, Iowa, Charlie Johnsen of Woodbine, Iowa; sister-in-law, Lorraine Thomas of Modale, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services
10:30 am Friday, August 6, 2010
United Methodist Church
Woodbine, Iowa

Clergy
Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian

Musicians
Mrs. Merrill McElwain
Mary Michael

Selection
"Amazing Grace"

Congregational Hymn
"On Eagles' Wings"

Recorded Selection
"You Make Me Smile"

Pall Bearers
Jim Barrett ~ Todd Heistand ~ Tom Koster
Ronnie Gillespie ~ Kenny Kovac ~ Ronnie Meeker
Bob Thompson ~ Denny Tremel

Final Resting Place
Woodbine Cemetery
Woodbine, Iowa