William Charles Johnsen, 79, passed peacefully on the evening of Friday, September 6, 2024, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Born to Haywood and Evelyn in Brooklyn, N.Y., William grew up a few hours north in the countryside of Accord with his twin brother, Robert, and sister, Diane.
William was a veteran of the United States Army, where he was a Hawk missile technician. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Plattsburgh and Master’s Degree at the University of Albany. He returned to the U.S. Army as a civilian where he enjoyed an illustrious 35-year career that began at West Point and reached a pinnacle at the Pentagon. He was a 9/11 survivor and retired in 2008.
Following his retirement, he moved with his wife of 54 years, Linda Louise, to the Roanoke Valley. William and Linda wanted to be closer to their daughter, Ashleigh Fisher, and son-in-law, Barak, and … a few years later … his grandson, Nate.
Nate is the absolute pride and joy of William, who enjoyed watching his grandson play soccer, baseball and basketball when he was not losing to Nate in board games like “Sorry” or reading Nate bedtime stories.
Linda preceded William in death by two years. William is survived by his son, Michael Chad Johnsen; his daughter’s family, Ashleigh, Barak and Nate; his brother, Robert (Mary Ann) Johnsen; and sister, Diane Cook. William also is survived by his wife, Xueming Sun, who has been by his side for the past year.
William’s life was celebrated at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, during a memorial at Christ Lutheran Church, 2011 Brandon Ave. SW, Roanoke. A visitation was held at the church one hour prior to the memorial service.
Memorial donations in his name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be shared with his family by visiting www.Oakeys.com. Arrangements were by Oakey’s Downtown Chapel, Roanoke, (540) 982-2100.
