Forrest Robert “Bob” Johansen, Sr., 90, of rural Robinson, passed away surrounded by his family on January 24, 2020, at the Hiawatha Community Hospital, Hiawatha, KS.  He was born December 30, 1929, to Forrest Aaron & Ruth Rosella (Metzger) Johansen at Falls City, Nebraska.  He grew up just across the state line from there in rural Reserve, Kansas.

He married his childhood sweetheart Margaret Darlene Greene, on October 16, 1948.  This marriage was blessed with five children:  Bobby, Terry, Marlin, Kelly and Ruth Anne.  These kids spent many a Thursday night joining their dad at his favorite place—the Hiawatha Sale Barn.  Bob worked hard as a farmer and doing custom agricultural work—custom hay baling and spreading agricultural lime.  He lived with such integrity, that one day when he realized there had been ice on the scale when weighing a load of lime, he sent a refund to his customer to not overcharge him.  He was a man of discipline, integrity, humility and service.

He graduated from Reserve High School in 1947 and went on to attend Highland Junior College.  From his youth he loved sports.  In high school he excelled in basketball, track and softball, continuing to play basketball in college.  One year, as the only member of his high school’s track and field team, he competed in so many events at a county track meet that his school took second place in team points!  That love of sports continued throughout his life. 

He followed his kids’ basketball, football, baseball and track faithfully and was proud of their accomplishments.  He continued to cheer on his granddaughters and grandsons, attending as many of their athletic events as possible.  And if you knew Bob, you realized that he had a special place in his heart for kids’ wrestling—especially when he could cheer on his grandsons!  And he continued to support Hiawatha athletics throughout his entire life.  

Bob had recognized as a young boy that he was a sinner in need of a Savior, and trusted Christ at that time.  Faith and spiritual life continued to be important throughout his life. He was active in several churches at different seasons of his life—the Christian Church at Reserve; the Wesleyan Methodist Church at Willis; Bob and Darlene moved their involvement to the Church of God Holiness Church in Hiawatha when his brother Ken became the pastor; later they were active in the Nazarene Church of Falls City; and the Christian Center in Hiawatha.  He served in a variety of ways, including as an elder, providing wisdom and leadership to these churches.  Throughout his life, he set an example to his family, with his well-used Bible and devotional materials next to his favorite chair.

Bob is predeceased by his parents—Forrest & Ruth Johansen; three brothers—Kenneth Johansen, Keith Johansen and Edward Johansen; two sisters—Nellie Liberty and Betty Pape; two sons—Terry Johansen and Kelly Johansen; one grandson—Logan Johansen. 

Survivors include his wife Darlene, (Hiawatha); two sons—Robert “Bobby” (Nance) Johansen Jr., Shawnee, KS; Marlin (Nancy) Johansen, Kansas City, MO; one daughter—Ruth Anne (Steve) Prieb, Topeka, KS; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  May his legacy be carried on by those of us who follow.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 31, 2020, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at The Christian Center, 517 First Street, Hiawatha, Kansas.  The memorial service will be Saturday, February 1, 2020, 10:30 a.m. at The Christian Center, with burial following.  Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Robert Johansen Memorial Fund, in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com