On Monday, August 12, 2019, loving husband and father, Steven Russell Johannessen of Burnsville, MN quickly succumbed to an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He had recently turned 70 celebrated by a full-family celebration at the cabin.  At the time of death, he was surrounded by his Pyrotechnics Guild International family and his wife of 45 years, Kate Johannessen.

Steve was the younger of two sons, born on June 26, 1949 in St. Paul, MN to Robert and Patricia (Moran) Johnsen.  He grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul and spent every summer at the family cabin on Lake Wapogasset near Amery, WI.  He attended Highland Park High School where he was a competitive swimmer. He studied at the University of St. Thomas and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachler’s of Science degree in Business Administration (1972).  On December 29, 1973 he married Katherine C. Kelly, and together they chose to return to the “pre-immigration” family name of Johannessen.  They raised three children in Northfield Minnesota.  Steve’s professional career was spent in finance, working as a controller and chief financial officer for small clothing manufactures including Kid Duds (formally of Cannon Falls, MN) and Gamehide Hunting Apparel of Lakeville, MN.  Much of his time, however, was spent pursuing many passions outside of his career. Steve loved fireworks, the cabin, and his family.  His best weekends were when the whole family could come together to take a sunset cocktail cruise on ‘Wapo’ followed by a campfire and a few homemade fireworks.  He cherished family time together making music on string instruments and watching his children and grandchildren’s sports and activities.  Steve enjoyed  gadgets, 3D puzzles, playing solitaire on his iPhone, taking his Grandson golfing, and of course, his annual pilgrimage to the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) convention.  He would build practice rockets and stars for weeks perfecting his craft.  If given the chance, he could talk your ear off on any of his favorite subjects, but nobody was prouder of his family than Steve.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Patty and Bob Johnsen. He is survived by his wife, Kate, his three children, Sarah Slania (Chris), Molly Johannessen (Mike Holewinski), and Grant; two very cherished grandsons, Kent and Wyatt Slania, his brother Bob Johnsen (Michele),nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service is being planned, details of which will be shared shortly once they are available.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pyrotechnics Guild International, c/o Eddie Hostetter, 2006 Mount Forest Dr. Kingwood, TX 77345. The family would also like you to join them in creating a lasting memory of Steve here on this website.  We look forward to sharing amazing memories of time with him together with you.