Bennet "Ben" James Johanson

Bennet “Ben” James Johanson, 78, of Spirit Lake passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake surrounded by his family. Per Ben’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com Ben was born on May 8, 1948, in Spencer, IA, to James and Margaret (Brinkley) Johanson. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1966 and attended Iowa State University until he was drafted and joined the US Air Force. He was united in marriage to Mary Phillips and to this union their daughter Jennifer was born. He was later united in marriage to Vicki Scharnberg on January 10, 1975, at their family lake home in Okoboji, IA. Ben and Vicki enjoyed 50 years of marriage together. To this union three children were born Rachel, Kimberly and Brian. Ben worked as a programmer in the heating and cooling business. He worked on large facilities and schools programming and fine-tuning heating and cooling systems. For several years he was the owner and operator of Digital Commissioning and Tuning, an accomplishment and company he was so proud of. Ben could fix anything and was always willing to help others. Ben’s heart was golden; he never met a stranger and made all who knew him feel loved and comforted. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and feeding the birds around his home. He didn’t mind an occasional trip to the casino, especially when there was a win. He enjoyed several trips with Vicki to visit friends and family throughout the years. Most importantly, he loved watching his great grandchildren grow up. He was so thankful to have been able to be a grandpa and great grandpa to so many and was so proud of his children, Brian and Jennifer. Ben is survived by his wife Vicki Johanson of Spirit Lake, IA, daughter Jennifer (Doug) Halverson of Willmar, MN, grandchildren Taylor (Mike), Jason (Ashley), Morgan (Caleb), and Jordan (Josh); seven great grandchildren; and his sister Jane Johanson of Hamilton, MT. along with other relatives and so many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, daughters, Rachel and Kimberly in still birth and his beloved son Brian. Our family takes comfort in knowing Brian and his dad are together watching over all of us. We will miss him so very much.

Bennet "Ben" James Johanson

May 8, 1948 - June 8, 2026