Murlin Johannsen

Murlin John Johannsen was born on May 5, 1936, to Peter A. and Helen (Jensen) Johannsen near Ricketts, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig, where he remained a lifelong member. He grew up near Ricketts, attended country school and graduated from Schleswig High School with the class of 1955. After completing his education, Murlin continued working on the family farm alongside his father. A proud fourth-generation farmer, Murlin spent his life raising cattle, hogs, and club calves, earning numerous accolades in the process. His passion for farming was passed down to his son and grandchildren, ensuring that the family’s farming legacy would continue. Murlin retired at the age of 62 but continued to farm with his son. 

On January 20, 1957, Murlin married the love of his life, Betty Lou Aldag. They made their home on the Johannsen family farm, located four miles north of Ricketts, where they were blessed with two children: Craig and Leisha. Murlin and Betty shared many happy years together. In the years following Betty's passing, Murlin found comfort and companionship in the cherished moments spent with Phyllis Schrader.

In addition to his devotion to family and farming, Murlin was actively involved in his community. He served on the Schleswig City Council and the Morgan Cemetery board and was a dedicated member of his church’s council and property committee for many years. He took great pride in opening the church doors and ensuring the church was welcoming for Sunday morning services, a role he recently passed on in November.

Murlin had many interests outside of farming. He was an avid fisherman, enjoying local waters and spending time up north on the Missouri River, where he was known to catch a fine Walleye. He also loved snowmobiling in Colorado with his family and enjoyed time on the Soldier River. In his younger years, Murlin was an active member of a couples’ bowling league. He looked forward to social gatherings with friends, including the card club that he and Betty attended regularly. Above all, Murlin treasured family moments, particularly the holiday get-togethers.

Murlin passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison at the age of 88 years, six months and 21 days. Murlin was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Johannsen; sister, Marleen Fish; and brother-in-law, Paul Moore.

Murlin is survived by his son, Craig (Julian) Johannsen and daughter, Leisha Kragel all of Schleswig; four grandchildren: Jerrod (Talsha) Johannsen of Schleswig, Derek (Sara) Johannsen of Schleswig, Jessica (Josh) Jurgensen of Denison and Jackie Kragel of Wasilla, Alaska; nine great-grandchildren: Colton, Brayton, Huntur, Taryn, June, Jules, Reid, Jade and Lyndi; sister, Sharon (Dennis) Shogren of Bartlett, Illinois; brother-in-law, Verne Fish of Lakewood, Colorado; dear friend, Phyllis Schrader of Ida Grove; and many other family members and friends. 

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig. His memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, also at the church. Inurnment will follow in the Morgan Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Morgan Cemetery Association.