Donald Grant Johnson

Donald Grant Johnson was born in Tyler, Minnesota to Roy and Emma Johnson. He graduated from Tyler High School and then attended St. Olaf College. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska School of Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska and received his dental degree. While in Lincoln he met his future wife, Ethel “Sandy” Sandfort. They married in February of 1947 and moved to California for his first job at the naval training center San Diego, providing dental care for the new recruits. In 1949 the family moved to Lemon Grove, CA, where he began his successful, private dental practice.

He was active in the community as a member of the Lemon Grove Lions Club and his church, Lemon Grove Lutheran, where he was a charter member. As an avid fisherman, many benefitted from his skills with the fishing line by accepting his “catch of the day” especially since he didn’t like to eat fish! Often time caught fish were buried around his orange grove…..maybe that’s why his oranges were always so special! When he wasn’t fishing he could be found on the golf course (trying for another hole in one), “playing” in the garage fixing something or swimming. Staying active was important to his as well. He had his morning routine of walking in the park and meeting up with his girlfriends at the park (aka his “harem”). The last few years found him helping with the food distribution at Lemon Grove Lutheran, setting an example of what it means to be a doer of Christ’s word.

His no nonsense view of life, twinkling blue eyes and Norwegian wit will be missed. Skoal to his good life!

Survivors include sons William (Ceci), and Donald (Susan), daughter Jan Neuhaus, grandchildren Andrew Neuhaus (Brooke), Erin Forrest (John) and Ryan Johnson, great grandchildren Mark and Caitlin Neuhaus. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Sandy (Ethel) and daughter Barbara Ann.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lemon Grove Lutheran Church or Sharp Grossmont Hospice