In memory of

Karsten Sayer Johnson

Mar 19, 1982
Nov 17, 2020

Obituary

Karsten Sayer Johnson unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on Tuesday November 17th 2020.

Karsten was born on March 19th 1982 in Salem, Oregon to Kevin and Nichole Johnson. He was the eldest of 6 children. His younger siblings include Kira, Brolin, Nicholette, Selene, and Joshua-Nephi.

Karsten spent his early childhood in Newberg, Oregon. Growing up, he was an avid reader, enjoyed playing sports, hunting, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and spending time with his family and friends. He later moved to Burns, Oregon where he graduated from Burns High School in 2000. Shortly after high school, Karsten obtained his pilot’s license at Lane Community College in hopes of becoming a commercial pilot.

At age 19, Karsten chose to serve a two-year volunteer mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salvador, Brazil. He became fluent in Portuguese and fell in love with the people and culture of Brazil.

Following his return from Brazil, Karsten married Leah Hansen and had three beautiful children; Brinley, Cruz, and Aksel.

Karsten soon changed his career path to pursue medicine. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business at Central Washington University and was accepted to Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, Washington. During this time, he organized and opened the region’s first free skin clinic for the underserved community. After graduation, he interned at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon. He was then accepted into the Silver Falls Dermatology residency program where he quickly built lasting relationships. After residency, he was hired as the attending physician for the resident program. Karsten loved his career and dedicated much of his time to educating and helping others in the community.

Karsten was survived by his spouse Leah, his three children Brinley (9) Cruz (8) Aksel (4), his parents Kevin and Nichole Johnson, his four siblings and their spouses, Kira and Brian Wall, Brolin and Sarah Johnson, Nicholette and Trevor Okoren, and Selene and Cruiz Thomason.  He was preceded in death by his younger brother Joshua-Nephi Johnson.

The Johnson Family wishes to thank all those who have offered their love, prayers, and service at this time. Your generosity and kindness are felt and deeply appreciated. Please share a memory or photo of Karsten at: https://www.commemo.co/contribute/232d67

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Mary Giovanini says:

    I remember Karsten from when he was a medical student at PNWU, where I work in the library. He was always very kind and appreciative. I am so sorry for your loss.

  2. Sheila Seabourn says:

    I have never had a Dr. so compassionate and caring, He was the absolute best dermatologist, and really cared and listened,I am truly saddened by his passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends, we will miss you

  3. Taylor Ritches says:

    I will miss my friend , karst and I had so many good times !! Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all who knew him !

  4. Nathania Miller says:

    Dr. Johnson was my Dermatologist, he was good at his job, i tried to make an appointment with him and was told he had passed away, i was shocked, how very sad, my sympathies to his family, may his wife and kids be wrapped in love and God Grace during this very sad time.

  5. Dannielle R says:

    Karsten was an amazing man with a kind heart and a smile that lit up the room. I am a better person because of him and I am so honored to have known him. Praying for his children and family during this difficult time. Rest easy Karsten. You will be missed deeply!

  6. Kerri Cox says:

    My deepest condolences and prayers are with the whole family.
    Dr. Johnson was my doctor and this has been a total shock, I will miss him along with everyone else.
    May God give you comfort

  7. RickP says:

    I love you man. I'll see you on the other side.

  8. Ben Woodward says:

    Sending peace light and love

  9. Patrick Nguyen says:

    I’m at a loss for words. Karsten was a close friend and mentor to me. He was a great man and I’m honored to say I got to know him. Prayers to him, his family and those close to him. May he Rest In Peace.

  10. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    We are deeply saddened for Karsten's family. We hope all will feel peace and comfort at this time of loss. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home.

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