Donald Johnson
January 1, 1970 ~ November 5, 2013
Donald Orville Johnson, 69, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at Essentia Hospital following a brief illness.
Donald was born December 4, 1943, to Hazel and Orville Johnson in Montevideo, MN. He attended schools in Madison, MN, the Phillipines, Fargo, ND, and graduated from high school at Bitburg Air Base in Germany, where his father was stationed at that time. The family returned to the USA, and Don attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating with a BA in 1966. He married Sandra Specht on February 26, 1966, in Fargo.
Don worked as a salesman for several companies including Proctor and Gamble, Alberto Culver, and Equitable Insurance over the course of his career. As his health failed, he eliminated traveling and ended his career working in Fargo at I.C. Systems.
Don was a member of York Rite Masons, rising to the position of Grand High Priest. He also served as Chapter Dad for the Fargo DeMolay, watching with pride as his sons grew in that program to each serve as Master Councilor. When they were younger, he religiously filmed their F-M Athletics youth football games, and followed their various endeavors as they grew older. He enjoyed fishing trips with the family, card games with friends, and lately sharing his baking with colleagues at work.
Don is survived by sons Kirk (Janet Woodka) of Arlington, VA, and Ryan of St. Paul, MN; and half sister, Ann Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Michael.
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Moorhead MN
Don will always be remembered fondly.
Oak Park Heights MN
Kirk & Ryan,
We were sorry to hear of your father’s death. Our families had some good times together when we lived in Moorhead.
Fargo ND
I send my condolences to Don’s family. Don was a great friend to my brother, Roger, who passed away in August 2012. They shared the exact same birthday, and lived across the street from each other as young boys. At Roger’s funeral, Don fondly shared the story of how the two of them would stare at each other from opposite sides of the street, afraid to talk to each other. Then they gave each other birthday invitations, when they discovered they had the exact same birthday! I know Roger was there to meet him as he entered Heaven. I’m sorry I won’t be able to be at the funeral. Sister Nancy and I are in Duluth with our youngest brother and his wife, June. Kevin is now under Hospice care for brain cancer. Please know you are all in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Vicki (Lahren) Kobilansky
Phoenix AZ
My thoughts and prayers are with Don’s family in this time of grief.
I remember all the wonderful times we had together when we were young. I will always keep those memories in my thoughts.
Loving Cousin Gail Nelson
My sincere condolences to Don’s family. I worked with him for several years at IC System. He always was willing to share of himself, his life and his treats. Thank you for sharing Don with those that worked with him.