Duane Fredrick Johannsen

HAWARDEN, IOWA-Duane Johannsen (Sonny) passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden, following a short illness. He reached the ripe old age of 91 years, surpassing any known family member.

   Private family inurnment, with military rites, will be held at the Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden. The Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

   Sonny was born December 14, 1931, to Fredrich and Edna (Anderson) in Elk Point, South Dakota. Sonny had 4 siblings each deceased: Clarence, Lucille (Morgan), Richard, and Larry. He lived in Hawarden from 1936 - 1972 when he moved his family to Aurora, Colorado.

     Sonny was proud to have served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. His career started at age 11 sweeping floors and apprenticing at the Hawarden Independent and later the Sioux City Journal. At age 46, he changed his vocation to work for the Union Pacific Railroad settling in Salt Lake City, Utah. He enjoyed living in Salt Lake City with Bev and Mike's family until their passing. Sonny agreed to return home to Oak Hill Assisted Living and Hillcrest Health Care Services in Hawarden, allowing his nieces Cathie Brown and Jeanne Stanton to steward his last 7 years in our stead, of which we are eternally grateful.

   He is survived by 2 of his 3 sons, Steve of Montrose, Colorado and Danny (Jackie) of Fitzwillliam, New Hampshire; also 11 grand and great-grandchildren.

     He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Beverly (Underwood); youngest son, Michael and wife Cyndi and their 2 sons Tommy and Jerry; Steve’s wife Joan; and an infant son Ukiah.