Karsten Sayer Johnson

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

Karsten was born on March 19 ^th 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