Michael Johnsen

Deacon Michael D. Johnsen entered into eternity with the Lord on April 12th surrounded by his wife and children. Deacon Mike was born in Phoenix to Robert and Rita (Rawlins) on December 15, 1952. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Theresa (Sanchez), and devoted father of Amy (late husband Kim) Hammond, Gina (Peter) Beckmeyer, Justin (Kelley) Johnsen, Rachel (Kevin) Smith. Loving grandfather of Cecilia (Anthony) Bellantuono, John Joseph (Rebecca) Beckmeyer, William Beckmeyer, Frankie Beckmeyer, Michael Johnsen, Luke Hammond, Margaret Mary (Thomas) Gibson, Kirsten Johnsen, Elijah Hammond, Ryan Smith, Agnes Beckmeyer, Veronica Johnsen, Kori Smith, Dominic Beckmeyer, Gabriella Johnsen, Josh Hammond, Zelie Beckmeyer, and Christine Beckmeyer. Great-grandpa to Jude Paul and Ambrose Beckmeyer and Baby Bellantuono. He is preceded in death by his sister, Pattie Olivo-Johnsen and survived by his sister Becky Crump and many nieces and nephews.

Deacon Mike began his career as a paper boy for the Arizona Republic. He aspired to the role of busboy at Trader Vic’s in Scottsdale. He always improved his skills and accepted a position at Motorola before marrying his highschool sweetheart, Terry, at Sacred Heart Church in 1972. He changed jobs and began working for APS in 1977, where he spent 33 years in their employment. In 1982 Mike and Terry moved their family to Prescott, where he and Terry met back in the summer of ‘69. They were faithful parishioners of Sacred Heart Church and involved in many ministries in the church and school and he served several organizations throughout Yavapai County. He retired from APS in 2010 and was in formation for the Diaconate with the Diocese of Phoenix. He was ordained in November of 2012 and appointed to serve St. Catherine Labouré in Chino Valley. Most recently, Deacon Mike was appointed to Sacred Heart Church and he viewed this as a return to home. In his own words, this appointment was a “kind of prelude to my final change from this earthly pilgrimage to life in eternity.” 

Many know Deacon Mike from a variety of roles he played in his community. Whether it was professional, recreational, ministerial, friendship or a part of his family, he strove to be the Light of Christ to all he encountered. He had a great love for all of his community! He worked hard, laughed until he had to remove his glasses to wipe his tears of joy, prayed unceasingly, loved tremendously, and lived a life full of joy. We are grateful to God for the gift he was to all of us. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to a ministry dear to his heart: Life Connections, 7875 E Florentine Rd. Suite B, Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314 All services will be at Sacred Heart Church in Prescott. Tuesday, April 22 Visitation is from 6-7:30pm Wednesday, April 23 Rosary at 10:30am and Funeral Mass at 11:00am Reception to follow.