Peter Vernon Johnsen

Peter Vernon Johnsen of Richland, Washington, passed away after a valiant fight against cancer, surrounded by his loving family and his many pets, on October 10, 2009.

He was born November 11, 1933 in Odessa, Washington to Niels and Inger Dalsgaard Johnsen.  He was raised in Wilson Creek, Washington, the youngest son of 10 children.  Peter learned to ice skate and roller skate at a young age with his father and he loved to dance.

When he was 17 years old he joined the National Guard and later joined the Navy, where he served for 10 years.   He later became a security patrolman at Hanford and worked there for 27 years, taking early retirement in 1994.  After his retirement he worked at Columbia Center Mall.  Then he started his own lawn mowing business until he became ill.

His wife Diane at the home, a daughter and son-in-law, Ashleigh and Jon Gregor of Astoria, Oregon, survives him. His sister Nelle Fuller of Moses Lake, Eileen Corey of Kenmore, Washington, brother, Francis Johnsen of Pasco, Washington, sister-in-law, Betty Johnsen of Kennewick, Washington.

His parents, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters preceded him in death.

At Peter’s request there will be no service. Many thanks to Hospice, Carol and Stephanie Volkman for going above and beyond.  In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to either Hospice or the Humane Society.