Susan Belle Johannsen

Susan Belle Johannsen…

was born to William Homer and Wincie Bonita (Earhart) Martens on February 2, 1940 in Pipestone, Minnesota where she was raised and attended school, graduating from Pipestone High School in 1958. On June 1, 1958, she was united in marriage to Dale Johannsen. Following their marriage, they lived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where Susan continued her education at Nettleton Business College and at Augustana College. After Dale graduated from college and went to Baltimore to play professional football, Susan lived in Pipestone. Two years later, they moved to Dallas, Texas where she worked for various oil and gas companies. Feeling a need to change jobs in 1986, Susan purchased the Lemon Drop Flower Shop in Athens, Texas which she owned and operated until 1990. After selling this business, she returned to work in the oil and gas industry. Following her retirement in 1992, Susan and Dale moved to Juneau, Alaska where they worked as park rangers. In 2004, they moved back to Pipestone. Dale preceded her in death on April 17, 2006. After his death, she continued to live in Pipestone. On January 24, 2012, she became a resident of the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, Minnesota where she died on Sunday, November 6, 2012 at the age of 72 years, nine months and four days.

Susan was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and little dog, Bella and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Jill Cockburn and her husband Brian of Harrisonburg, Virginia; her son, J. Joel Johannsen of Pipestone, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Jasmine Johannsen of Sunnyvale, Texas, Chelsea, Lindsey and Trevor Cockburn of Harrisonburg, Virginia; two stepgrandchildren, Jessica Norenberg of Glendale, Arizona, and Heidi Norenberg of Pipestone, Minnesota; and three great-grandchildren, Savannah Belle, Sydney and Trey Johannsen of Sunnyvale, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her brother, Phillip Martens.