Steven A. Johnsen

STOUGHTON - Steven Arves “Steve” Johnsen, age 75, of Stoughton, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at Azura Memory Care. He was born on Aug. 16, 1949, in Stoughton, Wis., the son of Robert and Helma (Arves) Johnsen.   He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved cousin, Pat Askegaard (Fargo, N.D.). He is survived by several cousins, including Carol A. Luenberger (South Beloit) and Lori DePorter (Pennsylvania); and other relatives and many life-long friends.

Steve graduated from Stoughton High School in 1967.  He worked his way through UW and in 1971 completed his bachelor’s degree in journalism, a reflection of his passion for using the English language as a tool to educate and make others think about important, and sometimes not so important, issues. He was able to have several articles published in the Wisconsin State Journal and Milwaukee Journal.

After several years in a variety of jobs, Steve joined the U.S. postal Service (USPS), and over 30 years rose to a leadership role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of bulk mail used by a host of companies and organizations.  He was committed to ensuring quality service, and his diligence and his analytical mind earned him the respect and appreciation of colleagues and the many customers he served.  He also used his unique combination of wit and expertise to train and entertain USPS workers on postal practices at their conventions.

Whether using the written word or in conversation Steve was quick with creative puns, reflecting a unique combination of intelligence, humor, and sarcasm. He was an avid reader and passionate follower of politics and sports.  In politics, Steve had no patience for those who lacked intellectual curiosity or were hypocritical.  In sports he was fervent supporter of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers, frequently donating to various funds that supported student athletes. He was openly elated when they were winning and frustrated when they were not.  He was a consumer of the best humor television had to offer, characterized by his encyclopedic knowledge about Barney Fife (Don Knotts) and Mayberry and the Big Bang Theory.

Steve was a quietly generous and philanthropic person. He made many donations to the Dane County Humane Society (Steve loved dogs, cats not so much!), Stoughton and Second Harvest Food Banks, Senator Tammy Baldwin and the DNC, Covenant Lutheran Church, Badger Athletics, the Stoughton Hospital Foundation, the Carbone Cancer Center and more. The common theme in his giving was a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and our community.

As a lifelong resident of Stoughton, up until recently he could be seen around town on one or more of his daily walks. Those frequent walks kept him healthy as well as connected to the community, and they continued every day until his very recent and rapid health decline.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. A graveside service will follow at Lutheran East Cemetery, Stoughton, for those wishing to help lay him to rest.

Special heartfelt thanks to his closest friends, Jim, Karl, Matt, Tom, and Karin. His neighbors also helped provide support and keep him safe, enabling him to remain at home until very recently. Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to any of the aforementioned causes. If flowers are your thing, please contribute geraniums to the Covenant Lutheran Church.

“We do not grieve for the ones we love returning to the wind and earth, but for never enough time in this place together.”  - “Flying Edna” by Kai Skye

Memorials may be made to the Stoughton Public Library and Second Harvest. Feed the mind, feed the body. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590