Audrey F. Johannsen

Audrey Fae Johannsen was born to Charles “Swede” and Myrtle (Hugger) Broding on October 8, 1927 in Lake Benton, Minnesota where she was raised and attended school. After her graduation from Lake Benton High School in 1945, she worked at Gehrts Insurance Agency. On August 10, 1946, she was united in marriage to Harvey Johannsen at the Lutheran parsonage in Pipestone, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they lived in Lake Benton and raised their three daughters. In 1965, they moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Harvey preceded Audrey in death on November 24, 2009. After his death, she continued to live in Sioux Falls. On Friday, October 13, 2023, Audrey passed away surrounded by her loving family at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls at the age of 96 years and five days.

Audrey was a member of the Henry Sollie American Legion Auxiliary in Lake Benton, the VFW Post 628 Auxiliary in Sioux Falls, the MOCA Auxiliary, Hilltop United Methodist Church and the Center for Active Generations. She enjoyed dancing and playing cards. Her favorite times were spent with her family, whether they were just sitting around and visiting or traveling and shopping.

She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Vicki Versaevel and her husband, Leon, of Marshall, Minnesota, Kimberly Olson and her husband, Rodney, of Sioux Falls, and Robyn Behrens of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Broding of Wadena, Minnesota; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harvey; parents, Charles and Myrtle; and a brother, Rodney Broding.