James R. Johnsen

SAF Chanute AFB Autopilot Class 1967 served from Jan. 1967 to Jan. 1971 James R. Johnsen passed away Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Wausau with his wife, Karla and daughter Lucille at his side at the age of 67. He was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin on November 7, 1947, the son of Melford and Elizabeth (Stratton) Johnsen. He attended Cassian Woodboro grade school and was a 1965 graduate of Rhinelander High School where competed in swimming. Jim attended U.W. Oshkosh where he continued to excel in swimming. He enlisted in the U.S. Airforce in 1967 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War until 1971. He was united in marriage at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rhinelander on September 25, 1971 to Karla J. Ewan. He had been employed for twenty six years with the U.S. Postal Service. His job would lead the family to live in Addison, Illinois, Rhinelander, Grafton, Wisconsin, and Kiel, Wisconsin when Jim became the Postmaster in Cleveland, Wisconsin. He held this position until retiring in 2004. The couple then made their final move to Wausau where they have lived ever since. Jim was a past member of the V.F.W., Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce, and the Lions Club all while working in Cleveland, WI. Jim loved keeping busy, he also enjoyed duck hunting, deer hunting, ice fishing, golfing, trips to Lake Superior, working in the woods and was an avid Milwaukee Brewers Fan. He will be remembered for being able to socialize with everyone he met and for being a wonderful father and the love he has given to his two daughters, Korina and Lucille. Jim will be dearly missed by his wife; Karla, his two daughters; Korina Johnsen of Wausau, and Lucille (Aaron) Fale of Sheboygan, WI. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by two sisters and one brother.