Steven Earl Johansen, 72, of Rodney, MI passed away on March 21st, 2025 with his family and friends by his side. Steven was born on March 3rd, 1953 to Carl (Sonny) and Betty (Maneke) Johansen and was raised on the family farm in Rodney. He graduated from Chippewa Hills High School in 1971, where he held the record for high batting average in baseball for several years. After high school he worked construction and other local jobs including Parks Sawmill, and Wayne Schuberg Excavating. He bought his own farm in the late 70's, and continued his love for farming, which he carried on until his passing. Along with his farming, he also went out on his own in 1985 to install overhead and underground cable and telephone lines creating his business known as Johansen's Cable Plowing.

He married the love of his life and best friend Julie Boerma on September 7, 1985. They shared countless joys, including traveling and spending quality time with family and friends. His greatest passion was always his farm and his family. He was a man of very few words, but loved deeply. He is survived by his wife Julie (Boerma) Johansen, Mother Betty (Maneke) Johansen, Brothers Donald (Diane) Johansen of Rockford. Larry (Kim) Johansen of Texas, in laws Harold and Joyce Boerma of Rodney, Tim (Richelle) Boerma of Big Rapids, Cindy (Alan) Johnson of Rodney, and Deb Trimner-Boerma of Chase, many nieces and nephews, and loving aunts and uncles

He is preceded in death by his father Carl (Sonny)Johansen, his brothers Duane and Paul Johansen, and brother-in-law Harold L. Boerma.

Steven has been cremated per his request. A celebration of life will be on Sunday, March 30th at the Big Rapids Eagles from 2pm to 5pm. Memorial Contributions in his memory can be made to Susan P Wheatlake Cancer Center or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids. To leave a memory or share a condolence, please visit, www.daggettfuneral.com

You can shed tears that he is gone

Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.