Norman Marius Johansen

Norman Marius Johansen

July 3, 1945 – June 5, 2021

Norman Marius Johansen, 75, of Lovell passed away unexpectedly June 5, 2021.

Norman was born to Marius and Mary Johansen in Oakland, California, on July 3, 1945. He was raised in Oakland with his five siblings. 

Norman joined the U.S. Air Force when he was 18 and served for one year, one month and eight days as a jet mechanic before being honorably discharged on May 1, 1963. Norman worked many odd jobs, including truck driving and printing press operator. 

He married the love of his life and soulmate, Diane Thelma Schaeffer, on February 15, 1971, in Carson City, Nevada. They welcomed their only child, Tara, to the world on December 16, 1979, in Walnut Creek, California. 

Norman and his family moved to Coalinga, California, in 1987. He retired at the age of 65 from Los Gatos Tomato Cannery, where he was a forklift driver for 20-plus years. After the passing of his wife, Norman moved to Lovell with his daughter and her family in August 2014. 

Norman loved fishing, motorcycles, ghost hunting shows and the TV show “Cops,” yes, even the reruns. He loved his Diet Pepsi, candy orange slices and any flavor of crackers and chips. He was quite the jokester at times. He loved to tease and poke fun at the ones he loved as well as shower them in candies like M&M’s, Tootsie Rolls and Reese’s. 

He loved to share his stories about the old times and make people laugh with his sarcastic humor and quick comebacks. His witty charm, sarcasm and laughter will be greatly missed. While he will be missed here on earth, he is reunited with his soulmate, Diane, and will watch over his family and friends. 

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters and his wife and soulmate of 39 years, Diane Johansen. 

Norman is survived by his daughter, Tara Brown, son-in-law William D. Brown, grandchildren William N. and Emma Brown, one older sister and many nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and great-nephews. 

A celebration of life for Norman is scheduled for Saturday, June 19, at the Bible Church in Lovell at 10 a.m.