Kenneth R. Johnsen

Celebration of Life Services for Kenneth R. Johnsen will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford, Nebraska with Reverend Kenton Birtell officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at the Oxford Cemetery prior to the services.

Kenneth Roger Johnsen, 85 years of age, of Oxford, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Good Samaritan – Colonial Villa in Alma, Nebraska. Kenneth was born May 13, 1931 on the family farm east of Oxford in Harlan County, Nebraska, the fourth of five children born to Arthur Henry and Rosa Maria Louisa (Schroeder) Johnsen. Kenney was baptized at his home as an infant by Pastor Meyer. Kenneth was later confirmed in the 8th grade in June of 1945 by Reverend Bussert at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford. He received his education at Oxford Public Schools, graduating from Oxford High School with the class of 1948.

Following his education, Kenneth was employed at Winkler's Grocery in Oxford from 1948 to 1950 until the passing of his father. He then engaged in farming with his brother, Dean until he served in the United States Army. On December 10, 1952, Kenney was inducted in the Army and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge on October 27, 1954. He then returned home to the farm, continuing to farm until his retirement in 1989. In later years, Kenney enjoyed volunteering in his community.

He was a communicant member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church at Norton, Kansas and also attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Oxford, where he was active with the LLL men's group. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his older brothers: Raymond Albert Johnsen and his wife, Gwen and Dean Arthur Johnsen and his wife, Roberta; brothers-in-law: Carl Forrest, Glenn Jansma and Paul McBride; and a niece, Judy (Johnsen) Brooks.

Kenneth leaves to celebrate his life; his two sisters: Phyllis Barbara McBride of Cocoa, Florida and Shirley Rae (Forrest) Jansma of Norfolk, Nebraska; in addition he is survived by his nieces and nephew: Ramona, Arthur, Gloria, Sally, Valerie and Laurie; and a host of great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring his wish of cremation.

A memorial has been established in Kenneth's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.