| Notater |
- Obituary of Clarence Johnsen
Posted 08 Dec 2011 by Bill_Bernardy
The Arizona Republic: Nov 13, 2003
Johnsen, Clarence Peter Neumann (Peder)
Clarence Peter (Peder) Neumann Johnsen, born May 4, 1909 in Kyrksæterøra, Hemne, Norway, to Nels W. and Johanna Klausdaughter Johnsen, passed away peacefully in his Tempe home on Sunday, November 9, 2003. Clarence was one of four children born in Norway. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Juel (Joe) Humboldt Johnsen and sisters Agot and Agnes Marie.
Clarence moved with his family when he was one year old to Ballard near Seattle, Washington, while his father continued to mine gold and river run during the 1898 gold rush in Alaska, returning frequently to his family in Washington. In 1916, after his father's early death, his family moved to Los Angeles, California, where Clarence, also known to his friends as Clancy, began working selling newspapers to help support his widowed mother and sisters. He continued working all the time he was in school, graduating from L.A. High in 1926. He then accepted a football scholarship to play center on the 1928 USC Trojan Football Team and was a charter member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity at USC. Clarence then transferred to Loyola to play center under Coach Tom Lieb in 1931-1933 and was on the 1932 Lion's team that played against the championship Trojans holding them to just six points.
After graduation and marriage to his first wife, Ethyl Baker, Clarence joined the Army during World War II, graduating from the Medical Administrative Corps, Camp Barkeley, Texas. Clarence was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and served at Fort MacArthur until he was honorably discharged in 1953. Once back in Los Angeles, he returned to the newspaper business and began working for the Los Angeles Times as a newspaper circulation franchisee, ultimately having the successful Arcadia, California territory for many years until his retirement. During his years in business, he always helped others who were just getting started or who were in school and working. Many of his "newspaper carriers" have kept in touch over the years attributing their success to Clarence's guidance, mentoring and support which is a true tribute to Clarence's loving and generous spirit. He was also very active in the San Garbriel/Arcadia Masonic Lodge, Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shriner's Club.
His first marriage of over fifty years to Ethyl Baker ended with her death. They had no children. In 1990, at the age of 80, Clarence once again fell in love. His old friend, Harrison Jones, had passed away, leaving his widow, Preissel, residing in Tempe, Arizona. Clarence and Preissel renewed acquaintance from many years of Masonic activities in California during which both Harrison and Clarence were active with their respective wives. When they married in 1990, Clarence declared that he finally had his own family as he acquired his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Jim Stevenson together with his grandsons, Tyler and Kalb, as part of the package along with his new wife.
Preissel and Clarence, blessed with good heath for the majority of their eleven year marriage, were able to travel the world, including returning to Norway and the house in which Clarence was born, as well as Alaska where his father had his mine. Together they were active in the Desert Palm United Church of Christ and enjoyed many family activities, watching with pride as their grandsons graduated from college. After Preissell passed away in 2001, Clarence remained in his Tempe home close to his family. He was fortunate to have many wonderful friends. including his devoted caregivers and Hospice of the Valley. allowing him to remain at home. for which we are very grateful.
Church services begin at Desert Palm United Church of Christ, 1230 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe with visitation on Saturday, November 15, 2003, followed by Masonic graveside service with Military Honors at Green Acres Memorial Park on Hayden Road. Donations to Favorite Charity.
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1909 - 2003 (94 år)
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