Gordon Johnsen

Gordon N. Johnsen, 87, passed away on Sunday, December 29, at Artisan Senior Living in Middleton WI, following a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on September 18, 1926 to the Reverend Olaf and Esther Johnsen in Concord, MA.

Gordon's faith was the foundation of his life. It was always present in his relationships, his work and his service to others.

After graduating from high school in Britt, IA, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1950. He received a Master of Science in Business Education from the UW in 1953 and a Master of Arts in Hospital Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1955.

Gordon began his career in hospital administration at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA. He joined Madison General Hospital in 1958 and served as Administrator until 1975 at which time he was named President of Madison General Hospital, a post he held until 1984. He was President of General Health Services from 1983-1987 and Chairman of the Board of Meriter Health Services, Inc. from 1987-1988. Following his retirement, he served as a Clinical Professor in Programs in Health Service Administration within the U.W Madison Medical School until 1997.

Gordon was a founding member of the Board of Directors of VHA (Voluntary Hospitals of America) in 1977. He was a Fellow in the American College of Hospital Administrators and served as a Trustee of the American Hospital Association. He served on various boards including Wisconsin Hospital Association, Trinity College (Deerfield IL), Edgewood College (Madison), and the Madison Area Concert Handbells. He was an active member at Asbury United Methodist Church and with the Downtown Madison Rotary.

Gordon was an avid golfer and even braved the cold winter weather to hit golf balls in his front yard if there was no snow on the ground. He enjoyed travel and was able to visit most of the states in the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, China, and South Africa. The final trip he was able to make with his wife was on the maiden voyage of the Queen Elizabeth II around South America.

Gordon was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He was active in the Ygdrasil Literacy Society since 1959 and Madison Torske Klubben since 1978.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Haddon Johnsen; his children Carrie Rough of Orlando FL, Paul (Sarah) of Hartford WI, Vicki (Tom Ralph) of Denver CO, and Peter (Kathy) of Madison; and five grandchildren, Ben Johnsen, Ted Johnsen, Kirsten Ralph, Spencer Ralph and Grant Johnsen. He is also survived by three siblings Eleanor (Peter Milbratz) of Wilmette IL, Paul (Judi) of Elkhorn WI, and Stanley (Marsi) of Paradise Valley AZ, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister Lois (Ted Olsen) in 2003.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gordon Johnsen Health Management Fellowship (#12587609) at the University of Wisconsin (UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807), Asbury United Methodist Church, or Agrace Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6101 University Ave, Madison, on Saturday, January 11, at 12:30 p.m. A time for visiting and fellowship will follow the service.