Lee Carroll Johnsen

Lee Carroll Johnsen, 97, passed away on April 4, 2024 in Tremonton, Utah.  Lee was born on July 29, 1926, in Bear River City, Utah to Melvin and Serreta Johnsen. He was raised in Bear River City. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 1944, where he participated on the track team and held the school pole vaulting record for many years. He was a seminary graduate.

He married his high school sweetheart LaPreal (Tully) Dallin in 1946. She passed away in 1990. He was married to Marlene Kapp for six and a half years until she passed away in 1997. He married Elaine Madsen in 1999.

During World War II he served in the Merchant Marines. He was docked at ports in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He also served in the United States Army.

Lee worked at Thiokol for seven years, but his first love was always farming. Besides being a mechanic, painter, contractor, he farmed full-time for 40 years.

He served as Mayor of Bear River City for 12 years. He was instrumental in the organization of the Bear River City 24th of July celebration. With help, he made significant improvements to the city park and rodeo arena. He installed an underground sprinkling system as well as major cemetery renovations. As president of Acme water, he put in a new water line from the mountain to Bear River City.

He served as president of the Bear River Valley Co-op and both Box Elder County Nursing homes for 13 years.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served in many church callings including Scout Master, High Councilman, Bishop and as an Ordinance Worker in the Logan LDS Temple.

He enjoyed hunting, skiing, and playing baseball in his early years. In his later years, he enjoyed snowmobiling, golfing, driving, camping, four-wheeling, and working.

He and Elaine spent winters in Yuma, Arizona. They enjoyed attending family events.

Lee was known for being a dependable, helpful, hard-working, and fun-loving man that could fix almost anything that could be broken.

He always said, “He is a jack of all trades and a master of none.” He felt he had been blessed with good health, great friends, and a wonderful family.  

He loved his children: Kerry (Amber) Johnsen, Bear River City; Pam (Bob) Bylund, Morehead, Kentucky; Ken (Susan) Johnsen, Salt Lake City. He enjoyed his 12 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and one on the way.  

He enjoyed a blended family with Elaine which includes: Jeff (Karen) Madsen, Tremonton; Greg (Sandy) Madsen, Garland; Jackie (Brian) Belnap, Kaysville; and  Gary (Stefanie) Madsen, Honeyville.  

They have enjoyed together, 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and one more on the way.

Lee is also survived by a sister, Evelyn Call. He was preceded in death by his father Melvin A Johnsen, mother Serreta Johnsen, wife LaPreal Johnsen, wife Marlene Johnsen, brother Keith Johnsen, sister Colleen Barrett and great granddaughter Madalyn Bell.

Special thanks to Our House for their care for the past few months.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 11 A.M. at the West Stake Center (345 S 1000 W, Tremonton). Viewings will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 5-7 P.M. at Rudd Funeral Home (111 N 100 E, Tremonton) and prior to the service at the church from 9:30-10:30 A.M. Interment in the Bear River City Cemetery. The services will be livestreamed and may be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.