Donald Lee Johnson

Donald Lee Johnson, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 1, 2019 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Don was born August 23, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Samuel and Anna (Lippert) Johnson. He graduated from Senn High School in 1946 in Chicago. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and served is a Radio Operator and was honorable discharged in 1948. In 1948, he enrolled in Carthage College, where he met his wife Ruth. Don then transferred to Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois in 1949. He and Ruth were married on August 26, 1950, and together raised two daughters, Linda and Barbara. Don worked in Park Ridge, Il as an office manager for General Mills and later transferred to Des Moines General Mills. He later worked as a Auditor for EMC Insurance traveling in Iowa and Missouri, and then retired in 1993.

Don was a member of the Gnemeth Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies, and the Za-Ga-Zig Shriners. In his spare time, he liked to fish at Lake of the Woods, bowling with his EMC friends, and sharing a cold beer with his buddies, telling jokes and sharing stories. His favorite place to travel to was Doore County, Wisconsin. Don enjoyed cheering on the Bears and the Black Hawks, but his team was the CUBS. He was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see them win the 2016 World Series.

Don was always smiling, and in turn made others who spent time with him smile as well. The family would like to thank everyone for the love and care Don and Ruth both received these last few years as Don’s health declined and to his friends for the love and support received. A special thank you to the first floor staff at Wesley Acres John Stoddard Center, Wesley Acres Hospice, and the UnityPoint staff for coming to the house.

Don is survived by his wife, Ruth of West Des Moines, and daughters, Linda and Barbara, both of Urbandale. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and Children’s Shriner Hospital. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Johnson family.