Luther W. Johansen ’62 passed away peacefully on May 25, 2020, surrounded by his family. Luther was born May 21, 1936, at Hinsdale Sanitarium and Hospital where he would start his career after medical school. He grew up in the west suburbs of Chicago and attended Broadview Academy. After one year at Andrews University he moved with his parents to Pendleton, Oregon and graduated from Walla Walla College in 1958. While there he met the love of his life, Marie Foster. They were married after his first year at LLU in 1959. After graduating from LLU in 1962, Luther and Marie moved back to Hinsdale with their oldest son, Laurens, for internship and then private practice in Brookfield, Illinois. They welcomed three more children, Luther Brent, Lyndon, and Jeanne. While there he became the youngest president of the medical staff up to that time.
In 1974 the family moved to Portland, Oregon, where Luther practiced until retiring in 2017. He was able to practice for seven years with Laurens F. Johansen ’87, then transitioned to urgent care. He was loved by his patients, respected by his colleagues, and loved by his family. His love of medicine inspired all four children to go into the field covering psychiatry, family medicine, podiatry, and nursing. Luther’s family and friends were fortunate to know him and have been loved by him. He and Marie had almost 61 years of marriage and it was a wonderful ride. His was a life well lived.
(Source: Family of Dr. Johansen)