Walle

Walfred (Walle) Johanson of St. James, NC died on July 21, 2022 after complications related to open heart surgery. Born to Dorothy Sprague Johanson and Klaus Walfred Johanson on October 11, 1942, Walle spent most of his life enjoying the opportunities offered in Glen Cove, on the north shore of Long Island. A natural athlete, lover of all water related activities, involved in scouting, school and town sports teams year round, church youth groups, fishing and hunting trips, he became a dedicated conservationist. Surrounded by golf clubs, he worked as a caddy in his early teens and discovered the life long challenge of golf. Deciding to choose a career that suited his many talents and skills best, he attended SUNY Cortland earning a BS in Physical Education and Health. Recruited as a teaching assistant in a newly created Masters program at U of Massachusetts Amherst, he and his wife, Phyllis, both started their teaching careers In Massachusetts, returning to Glen Cove NY a year later. He taught and coached one year at Friends Academy before transitioning to the Glen Cove Public Schools for the next 31 years. Touching the lives of thousands of students and extended families, he often was in contact with many of them throughout the years as they thanked him for his positive influence upon them. In retirement, he continued community service by joining the St. James Fire Department, becoming an EMT for 14 years and serving 2 terms on the Board of Directors. He was involved with the St. James Service Club, a fund-raiser for several years for the Maritime Museum, a member of the MGA and inter-club golf league, and the Southport Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis, his sons Derek (Cari) and Craig (Lisa), four grandchildren, Alexandra, Jackson, Benjamin, and Mckenzie, a sister, Harriet Sjogren, and a sister-in-law, Virginia Smith. In addition, there are numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and dear friends. He was a well loved husband, parent, grandparent, family member, friend, and colleague who will be sorely missed. A celebration of Mr. Johanson's life will be 11:00 AM Tuesday July 26, 2022 in Southport Presbyterian Church 1025 East Moore Street Southport, North Carolina 28461. The family thanks the doctors and staff at Novant Brunswick and New Hanover Regional, Dosher Memorial Hospital, Peacock, Newman, White Funeral and Cremation Service, and, especially, the St. James Fire Department and EMTs and Brunswick County Paramedics. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Mr. Johanson to St. James Fire Station 1 St. James Drive, SE Southport, North Carolina 28461.