Owen Johnsen, 75, Dickinson, died on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at CHI St. Alexius Dickinson. Owen’s Celebration of Life Service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2024 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Rev. Lisa Lewton as officiant. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Owen Leslie Johnsen was born on February 20, 1949 in Dickinson, the son of Clayton and Ruth (Knudsvig) Johnsen. He was raised and educated in Dickinson, having graduated from DHS in 1967. Owen enlisted in the United States Navy on January 3, 1968. He served in the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge on August 9, 1971.
He attended DSU where he graduated with a BS in Elementary Education & Secondary History. Owen went on to attend the University of Mary where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. Owen spent 35 years teaching school in the area which included St. Mary’s in Richardton, Trinity High School, and Dickinson High School. He retired from teaching in 2007.
Owen raised and trained German Wirehaired Pointers for over 40 years. He competed in national NSTRA and NAVHDA field trials throughout the western United States. He had the top dog “Waldo” in the nation for over ten years. Owen also enjoyed hunting and fishing, but he especially loved traveling and spending time with his significant other, Karen, his two children, Clayton and Lynae, and his five grandchildren.
Owen is survived by his significant other, Karen Buffington; children, Clayton (Angela) Johnsen, Dickinson, and Lynae (Monte) Frerichs, Elmwood, NE; five grandchildren, Brett Dinius, Keegan Johnsen, Dax Johnsen, Urban Frerichs, and Etta Frerichs; and brother, Robert Johnsen, Dubois, WY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Ruth.
