Rolf Johansen

He IS, Shouting on the Hills of Glory!

Rolf Johansen, 70, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds, Washington.

Born in Sauda, Norway, on October 21, 1955, Rolf immigrated with his family to Seattle in 1958. Though he was raised in the Pacific Northwest, he remained proud of his Norwegian roots throughout his life.

Rolf loved the outdoors. He sailed boats, scuba dived, climbed mountains, hang-glided, played and coached soccer, and rode horses. His stubbornness was matched only by his beloved mule, Mo.

In 1980, he and former wife Jan Beatty purchased 5-acres in the soggy Cascade foothills between Monroe and Sultan, Washington. With a beautiful view of the lower Skykomish River valley, the two constructed a log cabin from trees on the property. They raised their children there for the next 20 years.

Rolf, a skilled carpenter, built his own construction company, Johansen Construction Services. He specialized in insurance repair and new construction. He also worked as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT).

Rolf loved Bluegrass music and the vibrant community with bluegrass at its heart. With his banjo in hand, he traveled to many bluegrass festivals where he would play music, run the sound system, and foster lifelong friendships. Rolf and his banjo were seldom allowed off the stage before performing “Kickin’ Mule”. ..

…Whoa there mule, I tell you

Miss Liza you be cool

Ain’t got time to kiss you now

I’m busy with this mule

In 2006, a severe stroke changed the course of Rolf’s life. While the years that followed brought significant health challenges, Rolf continued to dream of family trips sailing around the world, and starting a family bluegrass band.

Rolf’s legacy lives on through his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Berit Johansen. He is survived by his son, Leif (Melanie) Johansen and daughter, Berit (Drew) Lytle, sister, Tove Price and brother, Paul Johansen, as well as four grandchildren (Evelyn Johansen, Trygve Lytle, Anders Johansen, Lukas Johansen).

Please join us in celebrating his life Saturday afternoon April 16, 2026,1:00 p.m at Hillwood Church, 19350 Firlands Way N, Shoreline, WA 98133.

Rolf loved bluegrass jams. The family invites you to bring your instruments for a jam following the service.

Oh, what a blessed reunion.