Donald Johnson

Donald H. Johnson was born on November 14, 1931 to Emil and Vella Johnson at their home in Karlsborg. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Burnett Medical Continuing Care Center in Grantsburg on April 29, 2009, after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was 77 years old. Donald was baptized on May 5, 1932. He grew up on the family farm and attended Karlsborg school through eighth grade. As a young man, he enjoyed rollerskating, bowling and playing ball. He and his brother, Louis, farmed together on the family farm until Donald married Ruth Green on July 13, 1963. They moved just north of his homeplace to the home where they lived and raised their daughters, LaBrenda, Sheila and Debra. They were married for 45 years. Donald made farming his profession when he went to work for the DNR. He farmed the fields on Crex for over 30 years before he retired in 1990. Donald enjoyed anything outdoors. He especially enjoyed gardening, spending many early mornings hoeing and weeding before heading for work. He always said morning was the "best time of the day" and often left for work an hour early to drive around and enjoy the scenery or look for animal tracks. He loved hunting whitetail deer, mule deer, bear, fox, bobcats, coyotes, ducks, geese, partridge, squirrels…just about anything. He was known for his "eagle eye." He was also an amazing fisherman. His favorite catch were pan fish that he caught with his fly rod. Cutting wood was another favorite pastime that provides his family with many great memories of a hard days work followed by a wiener roast in the woods. Throughout his life, he enjoyed the companionship of many loyal hounds and black labs. Donald was a "ford man." His little ford tractors were his pride and joy. Donald was a very kind, gentle and patient man. This was most evident when he had a tiny baby snuggled up on his shoulder. Nothing brought Donald more joy than to be surrounded by little children. Even after the Alzheimers had robbed him of many of the things he enjoyed, the children always brought back the sparkle in his eyes. He was adored by his children and grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend and good neighbor. Donald lived a life of quiet faith which was made evident through his love of nature and people. He recommitted his life to the Lord in June of 1999 with Ruth at his side. Complaining was not in Donald's nature. When asked how he was, his response was always , "never been better" or "can't complain" right up until the very end. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Vella Johnson, sister Viola Macho, brothers Louis, LeRoy, Floyd and infant brother Alec. Donald is survived by his wife, Ruth Johnson; daughters LaBrenda Holmquist (Jeff Lindus), Sheila (Jerry) Robinson, Debra (Scott) Peterson; grandchildren Christopher and Carson Holmquist, Ryan and Chelsey Ophus, Isaac and Carolyn Peterson; and great grandson Tyler Holmquist; many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Calvary Covenant Church in Alpha with Pastor Kevin Miller and Pastor Scott Sagle officiating. Donald was laid to rest in the Karlsborg Cemetery. Casketbearers were Orlie Luedtke, Bobby Gustafson, Donnie Olson, Bobby Fossum, John Johnson, Dan Swenson. Honorary casketbearers were Bud Christopherson, Jerry Fiedler, Curtis Fallstrom, Arvid Fossum, Peter Olson, Jerry Olson and Harley Lindus. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin.