Gary Laurence Johansen

Gary Laurence Johansen

September 11, 1946 – March 12, 2025

Gary Laurence Johansen, 78, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on March 12, 2025, in his hometown. He was born on September 11, 1946, in Omaha, NE, to Gwen (Stout) Johansen and Woody C. Johansen Sr.

A proud veteran, Gary served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War as a radioman with top security clearance. Notably, he was the one who received and transmitted the classified message about the capture of the USS Pueblo. Surrounding his military service, he pursued a long career in inventory management, including Hinky Dinky Grocery Store in Omaha, eventually moving to McAllen, Texas, where he worked as an assistant manager and later retired as a manager with RGIS Inventory Company.

Gary was an avid golfer and a passionate fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Creighton Bluejays and the Kansas City Royals. He loved movies, embraced new technology, and was deeply loyal to his family. Though he never married, Gary cherished his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, treating them as if they were his own. He took great pride in supporting their sports and activities, always cheering them on with enthusiasm.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edgar and Goldie Stout; parents, Gwen and Woody C. Johansen Sr.; brothers, Ronnie Johansen and Craig Johansen; beloved nephew and godson, Tommy Ourada.

Gary is survived by his brothers: Woody Johansen (Betty), Robert Johansen (Anne), Michael Johansen (Rosângela), and Steve Johansen (Deb); sister, Merrilee Ourada (Tom); aunt, Angie Johansen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and many other family and friends who will miss him dearly.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00AM with VISITATION beginning at 10:00AM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

INTERMENT:  Monday, March 17, 2025, at 2:30PM, with MILITARY HONORS, at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s honor to the Lutheran Military Support Group (https://lutheranmilitary.org/).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com