Bernard “Bernie” Andrew Johansen

Bernard “Bernie” Andrew Johansen, age 86 of Clarkesville passed away July 1, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Brooklyn, New York on January 3, 1935, Mr. Johansen was the son of the late Joachim Herland Johansen and Helen Olson Johansen Ross.  Mr. Johansen was a United States Army Veteran having served during the Korean War.  He was an Electronics Engineer with the Harris Corporation in Florida and later owned and operated an electronic assembly business in Haiti for many years, as well as in the Cornelia area.  He later became a Corrections Officer at Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP) and after retirement he became an electronics instructor at LASP in the vocational area.  Mr. Johansen had a passion for aviation which fueled his interest in radio-controlled airplanes and obtaining his private pilot’s license.  Mr. Johansen was a member of Nacoochee Presbyterian Church and the Sautee RC Flyers Club.  

Survivors include his wife Carol Pence Johansen of Clarkesville, sons and daughters in law Eric and Christina Johansen of Lakeland, Florida and Brant and Lori Benoit of Demorest, daughter Lesa Rathjen of San Antonio, Texas, sister Joan Strouse of Dorothy, New Jersey, grandchildren Austin Mills, Nicholas Rathjen, Katrina Rathjen, Eric Johansen, Jr. (Katie) and Phillip Johansen (Tiffany), four great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A service celebrating the life of Bernie Johansen will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Hillside Memorial Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 5-6 PM.

Online condolences may be sent to the Johansen family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com

Funeral arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256