Mark Elliot Johansen

Mark Elliot Johansen, age 75, a longtime resident of the Colville, WA area, passed away on May 18, 2026 at his home. Mark was born on July 31, 1950 in Seattle, WA the son of E. E. Bud and Betty (Olson) Johansen. He was raised in the Kent-Meridian area where he graduated from high school in 1968. He followed his high school sweetheart, Nancy Bollinger, to Pullman, WA and attended Washington State University. On February 2, 1970, Mark enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served overseas on the USS James Monroe (SSBN622) the nuclear submarine as a machinist mate. Mark exchanged marriage vows with Nancy on Aug. 30, 1970 which led to their 55 years in marriage. Mark was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI and San Diego, CA. He was honorably discharged on January 30, 1976. He retired at the Trojan Power Plant in Southwest, WA from nuclear power operations. They then moved to Onion Creek, WA in 1980 where they enjoyed living a simple lifestyle and raising their children a bit “off-grid”. While in the Onion Creek area near Colville, Mark worked as a brewmaster for the Hales Ales Brewery, as certified “master blaster” in pyrotechnics, a millwright at the Vanstone mine, and built their country home. They relocated to Lake Havasu, AZ for 10 years (from 2015 – 2025). He and Nancy had recently returned to the Colville area to be near their children and grandchildren. Mark enjoyed the quiet time at home and was a touch of an isolationist. He enjoyed racquetball and met regularly with various friends to play. Mark had a brilliant mind and loved to help others. Mark was “selectively kind” and giving to those he valued. In his retirement years, Mark would often visit the local restaurants to give their food preparation knives a sharpened edge. He was the inspiration for countless smiles and a good chuckle. Mark was preceded in death by two siblings, Jennifer Johansen and Sydney Johansen. Mark is survived by his wife, Nancy Johansen, at the home; children, Kristen Johansen ( Joe Jones) of Cheney, WA, Erik Johansen (Addie) of Colville, WA; grandchildren, Katie Jo Harris, Kassidy Harris, Ella Mae Johansen, Jacey Ryan Johansen; brother, Erik Johansen (Marie) of Roce Harbor, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. There will be many memories shared and reflections offered for Mr. Mark Johansen in the years to come. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel. com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.