Stanley Richard Johannsen

Stanley Richard Johannsen was born on November 7, 1936 to Arnold and Maxine (Koos) Johannsen.  Baptized and confirmed in the faith at Peace Evangelical & Reform Church in Walnut, IA. Stan attended school at Monroe #2, Jackson #9 and graduated from Harlan High School in 1955.  He was a charter member of the Monroe Standby 4-H club.  He enlisted in the US Navy in January 1956 and served 2 years of active duty and 4 years as a reserve. He was a proud veteran.

Stan met the love of his life in 1952 at a roller-skating party and told a cousin and friend he was going to marry that girl, she was 14 year old Veretta Ann Jensen.  They were married December 9,1956 in Elk Horn, IA.  To this union three daughters were born, Tamara Ann (infant deceased), Valerie Ann Sparks and Shelly Renee Lewis (deceased).

After Stan was discharged from the navy he was employed at Harlan Pasteurizing, Kimballton Sale Barn, was a substitute rural mail carrier, drove truck for Harvey Jensen and farmed northeast of Walnut. In 1965 he sold out from farming and moved to Harlan, IA and began employment for Boeck International Harvester. After 20 years, he left the farm equipment sales and went into truck driving for Harlan Feed service and Farm Service Co-op.  He also drove truck coast-to-coast with nephew Kent Hansen. In 1986 Stan purchased a bulk plant and tank wagon business and started Johannsen Oil Co. After 15 years Stan retired and began spending winters in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Stan and Veretta enjoyed dancing and camping and were charter members of Excel Camping Club of Iowa.  He served on the Corley Community Club board and helped for many years with the Shelby County Fair Parade, Shelby County Races and did competition horseshoe pitching. He was a deacon and member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, IA.

Stan retired again in 2000 but not for long, he then delivered NEW camping trailers all over the USA and Canada. He enjoyed traveling & seeing the beautiful countryside. In the winter months they spent time in the Rio Grande Valley playing shuffleboards, meeting new friends and oversaw the community hall kitchen. He always popped popcorn for the events and the jam sessions at the hall.  He was known as Stan, Stan, the popcorn man.

In 2020 they moved to Midland full time and enjoyed the Midland Rockhound baseball games and even ushered at the ballpark.  In his free time, he drove for Enterprise Rental cars at the airport.  He was a water walker at COM and enjoyed the Live on Stage concerts.  He always enjoyed watching his great grandkids growing up. He spent the last year at Manor Park.

Stan was proceeded in death by his parents, in-laws Folmer and Bonnie Jensen, brother Darryl and sister Barbara Eilts. Daughters, Tamara and Shelly Lewis.  He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Veretta, daughter, Valerie and husband Jeff Sparks, son-in-law Perry Lewis.  Seven grandchildren Jarrod (Kimberly) Sparks, Joshua (Cori) Sparks, Justin Sparks, Kristina (Raul) Jacob, Ben (Emiley) Lewis, Blair (Connor) McMartin and Bryce Lewis and 8 great grandkids Weston, Wyatt, Warren, Evelyn, Gwyndolyn, Harlyn, Rhett Sparks and Colt Jacob.

He died on February 13, 2025 at the age of 88 years, 3 months and 6 days. He is at peace and is healed, He is no longer with us but will forever live in our hearts and memories.

To plant a tree in memory of Stanley Richard Johannsen, please visit our Tribute Store.