David J. Johansen

He was born to David and Twila Johansen on December 19, 1927, in Perry, OR, the middle child between two sisters. He graduated from Union (OR) High School and enrolled at Oregon State College.

In April, 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a Yeoman due to his amazing typing speed. Upon his discharge in 1948, he enrolled at Eastern Oregon College of Education in La Grande.

While lending his tenor voice to the college choir, he met his future wife, Evelleen. They married in 1950, and David began his career with First National Bank in La Grande, eventually moving to Pendleton, Ontario, Bend, Klamath Falls, and finally to Portland. He worked at all levels of bank branch management, eventually transitioning to data processing while working at the Portland office. He retired from Wells Fargo in 1989.

David had a lifelong love of music, and was an accomplished trumpet and French horn player. He played with the Grand Ronda Symphony in La Grande, and later with the Jerry Van Hoomissen Orchestra in Portland. Wherever he lived, he always found a dance band combo to play in.

David also enjoyed golfing and started the Great Golf Getaway. He was secretary of the Retired Bankers Group. He was an avid creative writer, specializing in poetry for his family’s special occasions.

David and Evelleen were married for almost 60 years before she passed away in August, 2010. Also preceding him in death was son Patrick in 1963 and granddaughter Tracey in 1982. David is survived by sisters Melba St. Clair and Wanda Orton, children Debbie (Dave) Cardiff, Amy (Steve) Otoupalik, Kim (Susan), and Eric, grandchildren Alison (Dan) Kendig, Sarah (Gary) Olson, Eric and Chris Otoupalik, Rob and Matt (Chelsea) Putnam, and niece Pat Kittel and family. He also had four great-granddaughters.

Following Evelleen’s passing, David reconnected with a longtime family friend, Ginny Penner, who had been recently widowed. Ginny was a source of great comfort and companionship to David over the last year.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, at 10:30am at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Tigard, Oregon. Memorial contributions may be made to Kaiser Hospice or to the charity of your choice.