Donald Gene Johnson, age 86 of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025 at Morningstar Assisted Living in West Des Moines. A visitation for Don will be held Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10am at McLarens Chapel in West Des Moines, followed by a funeral service at 11am. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Resthaven Cemetery.
Don was born January 19, 1939 to Thomas Johnson and Thelma Brunner in Missouri Valley, Iowa. He was known growing up as ‘Smiley Don’ and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School where he met the love of his life, Jeanette Johnson. The high school sweethearts were married in 1959, together raised three sons, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip to New York City. Don loved his family and was very proud of his boys, for whom he worked tirelessly for decades to provide a loving home. His infamous smile proved beneficial for his lifelong sales career with General Foods and Kraft, and a post-retirement stint with Proctor & Gamble. He was a long-time member of Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) where he served in many roles including Chairman of the Board and President, and received the distinguished GMA award for Outstanding Service and Dedication. He was affectionately known to many of his work colleagues and customers as Jello-Don.
Fond memories include family trips to California, Minnesota, Niagara Falls and Lake of the Ozarks. He loved being on the water whether that was driving his boat on Saylorville Lake, taking rides on his friend’s cigar boat or dining at lakeshore restaurants. He also loved going to Iowa football games and on boys trips to Chicago for the annual whiskey fest. He was a proud member of Za-Ga-Zig Shriners and the Masonic Lodge.
Left to cherish Don’s memory are his sons, Jeff (Colette) Johnson, Jim (Kristi) Johnson, and Jason Johnson; sister in-law, Mary Tierney; cousin, Robert Pulley; grandchildren: Mike, Steve(Angelica), Emily, Jake and Kasey (Mitch); great-granddaughter, Sage; his nieces and nephews: Martha (Roy), Jeanne, Mary Beth, John (Carla) and Pat; and several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanette, and most recently his feline companion Jesse.
The family would like to give special thanks to Morningstar Assisted Living, St. Croix Hospice, Happier at Home for the loving care and friendship they provided Don. Their kindness and companionship meant so much to him and to our family. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Children's Hospital (1100 Shriners Parkway, Altoona, IA 50009).
