Obituary of Kenneth R. Johanson
Kenneth R. Johanson
Dedicated Environmentalist
10/10/1942-07/08/2024
Kenneth R. Johanson died peacefully on July 8th in Overlook Hospital, Summit, NJ where he was born.
Ken was born in Summit, NJ to Alfred E. Johanson and Olive Johanson (nee Webster). He attended Lincoln School and was a member of the first New Providence High School graduating class, the Class of 1960. He graduated from Lehigh University Business School in 1964 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1967. He practiced law in NJ for 26 years. He helped get approval for the first group home for girls in Summit and the opening of McDonalds in New Providence.
Ken was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served state-side until 1970. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
Ken married his beloved wife, Winifred, in 1973. He was a dedicated husband and they enjoyed just being together. They recently celebrated 51 years of marriage.
Ken was a dedicated environmentalist. He believed in saving the planet for today and future generations. He joined the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter in 1996 and served as Chapter Chair for 11 years. He also served on many other SC Committees. He was also a strong supporter of helping those less fortunate and of those rescuing animals, birds, and other creatures. He was responsible for establishing and administering the NPHS Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund.
Ken was an avid gardener. He loved to grow flowers and vegetables and had a wildflower garden. He loved bird watching and hiking in the woods. Ken and Wynn loved to travel and went on many eco-tours and Caribbean vacations. They also loved to entertain family and friends. Ken was always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Olive, his brother, Alfred, and his brother-in-law, John Clark, and all our beloved dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Wynn, his sister, Carolyn Clark, and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and cousins, his extended Sierra Club family and our many close friends and wonderful neighbors.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Fall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter (www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey) or St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center (www.sthuberts.org).
Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison, NJ.