Kelly Donald Johansen, of rural Hiawatha, 61, died unexpectedly of natural causes September 16, 2019, in Linsborg, KS.  

He was born at Hiawatha, August 23, 1958, one of five children born to Robert and Darlene Greene Johansen and has lived in the northeast Kansas area nearly all of his life.  He grew up on a farm between Hiawatha and Robinson, attended Robinson Schools, later graduating from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1976.  While living at Wathena, he drove a truck over the road for Keim Transportation, based out of Sabetha for several years.  Kelly moved to Hiawatha where he worked for the City of Hiawatha water department where he received numerous achievement awards through the years.  For the past 20 years, he drove a truck for Johansen Truck Line, which he was currently employed at the time of his death.

When growing up, Kelly belonged to 4-H and when his family was young, he was a 4-H leader.  He enjoyed being a wrestling coach for his sons when they were in the wrestling program.  Kelly also enjoyed teaching bow hunting education classes for young adults.  Kelly loved the outdoors and to say he was an avid sportsman was VERY much understated...fishing, deer and bird hunting, coon hunting, you name it, he did it.

He attended the Christian Center of Hiawatha through the years.

He married Candy Lowe in 1986.  She survives.

Also surviving are his parents Bob and Darlene Johansen of Hiawatha, sons: Kaleb, daughter Kaisley, of Troy, Kelly (Kristin), children Jaxton, Adelade, of Atchison, Jacob (Danica) daughter Gracelynn of Council Grove, Bryan Ptomey Sr., son Bryan Jr. of Severance. daughters Heidi Lawrence (David) children Brok, Kinsey, Brody, of Savannah, MO; Angie (Nathan) Idol children Hunter, Houston, H’Leigha , Hadisyn of Highland, Michelle (Jason) Keller children Phoenix, Mikkia of Wathena brothers:  Bob (Nance) of Shawnee, KS, Marlin (Nancy) of Kansas City, MO, sister Ruth Prieb (Steve) of Topeka.

Kelly was preceded in death by a son Logan, and a brother Terry.

A Celebration of Kelly’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday September 24, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha, with Tony French and Rich Lehmkuhl officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Monday where the family will meet that evening from 6-8 that evening.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Kelly Johansen Memorial Fund sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.