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. Raymond Kaesemeyer says:

    I went to my appt today-10/7/21-to find out Dr.Johnson had passed away. Stunned does not even scratch the surface. My condolences to the Johnson family and I am hoping you are some how managing your way through this tough time. I want to say this about Dr. Johnson-you will be the measuring stick I use when seeking a doctor of any kind! You always shook my hand and called me by first name at the beginning of every visit. You took the time to listen to my concerns about my fears of getting melanoma again. You truly did care-and at the end of each visit-a handshake. Complete class act and my hope is the doctors and staff that worked around you realize this and become the same way towards their patients. Thank you Dr. Johnson!!!!! You will truly be missed!!!

  2. Donna Ramirez says:

    I just heard, my sympathy to his family truly a amazing man. With healing powers.my heart is sadden if it was not for him I would not be in good health.

  3. Martha Schilling says:

    I had only just started seeing Dr. Johnson as my dermatologist in 2020. He so impressed me with his kindness and professionalism. I was so pleased to find a doctor I had such confidence in. My sympathies go to his family and friends for their loss. I am so very saddened for you all. May time and love help heal your pain.

  4. Anonymous says:

    I hope his family and everyone affected by this are doing well. He was truly an amazing doctor. We often had chats about his kiddos and his girlfriend. He will be missed dearly. Rest In Peace Dr Johnson

  5. Thomas Nimmer says:

    I just recently found out about Karsten's passing, when I called to make any appointment at Silver Falls Derm Clinic, last week. I am so deeply saddened. Karsten was a GREAT doctor, and a very kind and caring man! I never felt rushed in any of the appointments I had with him at the clinic. He would always answer every question and concern I had. Always had a smile on his face. Totally was the kindest doctor I have ever gone to. I pray for your healing, Leah, Brinley, Cruz, and Aksel. You were so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and father! May God Bless and comfort you all.

  6. Chase Bishop says:

    I love you karsten I am giving you warrior hand shake.

  7. Lisa Ritches Walsh says:

    Karsten you will be forever in my heart, watching you and Taylor in track and being such good teenagers! You excelled in everything you did. Your accomplishments as an adult and the serving of others is truly a legacy. Rest in peaceful slumbers.

  8. Sharon says:

    I am purely devastated to hear about Dr. Johnson's passing only after contacting SFD to schedule my quarterly visit with him. He was a Skin Cancer Warrior with me, and I adored his bedside manner, which was not rushed, always smiling, and we used to joke that his hair was a hypnotic wonder. He always seemed mature beyond his youthful years, and friendly beyond his "white coat" aura, and usually right about what he cut off of my skin, no matter how benign anything looked. My mom, who was also a patient commented he was "easy on the eyes", a comment he overheard as he'd right as he walked into our appointment. We were all blushing, except him . . . he was beaming! My mom is 70+, but he charmed us like the giggling girls we were in that moment.
    To the Johnson family and extended families, I am praying for you and pray that the Peace of Christ fall upon you as your hearts mourn.

  9. Anonymous says:

    I am heart sick for Dr. Johnson 's family.
    He was so patient and kind when treating my elderly sister
    He will be greatly missed

  10. Megan Genthner says:

    Dr. Johnson was my primary caregiver for my lupus. He really helped myself and partner understand and cope with the acceptance of my diagnosis and all that comes with it.
    He was so incredibly compassionate with such a strong urge to help and that was apparent from the first time we met with him.
    My deepest of sympathies. My family sends love and light as you walk through your grief.
    My family will never forget him and will forever appreciate the role he played in our lives for 14 months.

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