OBITUARY
Donald F. Johnson
August 24, 1942 – February 3, 2021
Donald F. Johnson, Navy Veteran, age 78, of Woodbury, passed away from complications of Lewy Body Dementia on February 3, 2021.
Donald was an Honorary Member of the Apostle Island Yacht Club, Past Member of the 3M Car Club and Guardian Angels Church Mens' Club. Donald was also 30 + year employee of 3M, IT Division.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Edna Mae Johnson. Donald is survived by his Wife, Judith; Children, Michael Johnson, Richard Johnson, Donald (Isabel) Friedges, Laura (Steve Rositzki) Friedges, and Robert (Jen) Friedges; Grandchildren, Abigail, Natasha, Nicholas and Jacob Friedges; Sister, Darlene Bridley; Brothers, James (Linda) Johnson and Gerald (Arlene) Johnson; and Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.
We would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers, especially Dr. Alvin Holm. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Grace Unit at Regina Hospital, 1175 Nininger Rd., MR 3600, Hastings, MN 55033.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be TUESDAY, May 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 4th St. N., Oakdale. The service will be accessible via Livestream, if you prefer. To watch via livestream, go to www.guardian-angels.org and click on the "Funeral Information Button", or type the key word "Funeral" in the search bar. Interment Guardian Angels Cemetery, Oakdale.
Services
| 4 May |
Mass of Christian Burial11:00 am Guardian Angels Catholic ChurchLivestream will be available. To access the LIVESTREAM, Go to www.guardian-angels.org and click on the "Funeral Information Button", or type the key word "Funeral" in the search bar. |
| 4 May |
IntermentGuardian Angels Church Cemetery |
Memories
Donald F. Johnson
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ADD A MEMORYKathy Moraski
February 26, 2021
I had the pleasure to be with Don at The Gathering. I remember him as such a kind and positive man. He was always happy to try anything despite his challenges. I will miss him. My sincere sympathies to the family.
Linda C
February 26, 2021
I remember Don from his days at The Gathering. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed the stories I shared.
My prayers go to the family, and I plan to use the livestream at Guardian Angels in May.
Laura Friedges
February 22, 2021
Laura Friedges
February 22, 2021
Jim Koch
February 21, 2021
To my brother in law Don,
Thank you for helping to care for me, Mom and Dad. You added on to your home in 1994 and lovingly took us in. In those 27 years you did all you could do for us.
We had a great time when you took me to LasVegas twice. I remember on one of the trips we rented a convertible and headed for Laughlin. We had very sun burnt heads.
We also had a great time on Friday night poker nights. It was an interesting “wild turkey” night. Mom always had a $20 bill for you to borrow after we took yours.
This past year was so hard for you. I am glad you are at peace again.
Love you always
Jim
Nick Friedges
February 21, 2021
What can I say, Grandpa Don has always been somebody that always had a smile on his face. Anytime I would see him he would always ask about how baseball was going. He was always so excited and happy to hear about how I was doing. Grandpa Don is someone who never ceased to put a smile on your face. I found myself always fascinated to learn when I was around him. I felt like anytime I was around him I would learn a knew thing about him, or he would show me something new I hadn’t seen before. I will forever cherish the time, and the memories that I have of Grandpa Don. He was such a genuine and amazing person and I will miss him dearly.
Abby Friedges
February 21, 2021
Grandpa truly was the most kind, adventurous, passionate, and genuine person I’ve met. I don’t think I can remember a time where I saw him mad. He always carried a big grin on his face. I am so thankful to have had him as my grandparent.
Grandpa, Lori and I met quite a few times over the years for lunch. When we first started going he was driving me because I was too scared to drive somewhere I didn’t know. I had just got my license. The last time we went I was picking him up to go. I will always cherish the conversations we had. From his adventures over the years to my plans. It was always special to spend time together. I might just have to stop by Barkers in Hudson, WI to reminisce. :)
Another one of my favorite memories is going to Bayfield with my dad (Bob) and grandpa. I believe we stayed in the pop-up camper. I was probably about 8. We sailed to Madeline Island to explore and see the beach. All of the sudden we were on a bike ride. Mind you I’m wearing flip flops and a skirt. Well this little bike ride lasted 14 miles and lord knows Dad and Grandpa didn’t pack water or snacks. It was quite the ride and I will always remember riding my first gear bike getting a tour of the island.
A funny memory I have of grandpa when he was babysitting me. I was probably 5-6. We were at our house and it was just me, him, and Haley (Halebopper, as he called her). I remember him rummaging around in the freezer looking for an ice cream treat. A few minutes later I looked over at him as he was finishing his “treat” and he said it didn’t taste very good at all. Little did he realize he was eating a frozen Smuckers Uncrustable PB&J sandwich. I don’t know why I remember that, but he always made me laugh. Even now thinking back to that memory I’m laughing as I type.
Grandpa will be missed by all of us, but I find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. He has his memories returned and is looking down at each of us so proud. Love you always Grandpa. <3
Mary Shafer
February 21, 2021
Mary Shafer
February 21, 2021
Mary & Tim Shafer
February 21, 2021
Judy and family,
So many great memories of Don. All the trips we took together, working with him at 3M, just the great friendship over these years. The stories we can tell, we’ve had so many fun memories with you guys, our greatest trips are our sailing trip and our trip to Hawaii. I posted a couple pictures here that we took. You guys are in our prayers, Don was truly a one of a kind guy!!
Our kids still talk about going out to breakfast after church with you guys. We always had to drag them to church, but knowing that they would see you guys and get to go out for breakfast made it easier.
Love you
Mary and Tim
Natasha Friedges
February 20, 2021
Grandpa Don,
You are the true definition of a good man. With every moment I have spent with you, you have showed me what it’s like to be a genuinely kind human being.
Some of my favorite memories of you are when we would go up to Bayfield, Wisconsin and go sailing. You would take me for ice cream, go hiking and biking, watched the fireworks for the Fourth of July together, and you sailed me to my favorite beach at Madeline Island.
My most recent memory of you is when we took you to Taylor’s Falls and got ice cream and took you on a Ferry. It was such an amazing thing to see you out on the water again and to have those precious moments with you that I will never forget about.
I love you to the moon and back and I can’t wait until we see each other again, until then I hope you are sailing in those beautiful blue oceans in paradise.
Love always, Tashi
Jake Friedges
February 19, 2021
One big thing I’ll always remember about Grandpa is just how kind and genuine a person he was.
Every Christmas we would go up to their house for thank-mas where we would all meet up and have a good time. It was one thing that I always loved going to and spending time with Grandpa Don and family.
Last summer we went on a boat ride down The Saint Criox with Grandpa Don and had a great time. I remember that halfway through the ride a guy proposed to his girlfriend which was the first time I’ve seen someone propose. We got some food then had fun and relaxed and as the boat took us down the river.
I’ll miss Grandpa and all the fun times I had with him.
Todd Johnson
February 19, 2021
Captain Don taught me to sail!
His patience was immeasurable...
Quick, wonderful memories:
Race Around the Islands
Jimmy Buffet
Madeline Island Strolls
Black Fly tricks
Most of all, his sparkling eyes & laughter!
Thank you, Captain Don!
Tim Nelson
February 19, 2021
Don and I share a love for Lake Superior. He taught me to sail Gitche Gumee!
We spent days and days sailing, navigating and bonding. Don will be missed.
Fair winds and following seas...
Donny Friedges
February 19, 2021
There are so many memories I have of Don and all of adventures and family gatherings and sporting events and music and trips in all the different cars we had.
Sailing on Lake Superior in the Laura Mae and participating in the Around the Islands race; driving to Bayfield WI listening to Charlie Daniels “Million Mile Reflections” and The Boys Greatest Hits in the 1979 Ford Fairmont; Don catching an 8 lb Northern on a bobber and sucker minnow on Pine Lake in Frederic WI at Uncle Harry’s; the Tornado that came off of the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward WI went up the hill in the campground and snapped a tree mere feet from our trailer just after we got off the lake fishing; the rubber football he gave me the first time I met him; the baseball tournament in Brownton MN where due to circumstance my teammate got to drive Don’s brand new 1984 Toyota Camry only hours after he said there was no way I was going to drive his brand new car (I use that line on my own son); our trip last summer down the Saint Croix on the paddle boat in Taylor’s Falls
I could go on a lifetime with memories about Don because that’s what I had with him. Don was a part of my life for 42 years.
Some kids lose there Dads at a young age, some kids never know there dads. I was blessed to have two.
Thanks Dad for taking on another family so many years ago.
Although we were not flesh and blood, we were loved and adored.
Godspeed Captain. May your new journey give you peace.
Donny
Bob Friedges
February 19, 2021
Dear Don (Dad),
You truly were and will always be one of the kindest, caring, most generous individuals to come into my life. You have given of yourself in so many ways that have made an impact on this world, on our family and on my life. I would not be who am today without you in my life for the last 40 plus years.
As I reflect on all those years a flood of memories enter into my consciousness and I long for just a few of those times we spent together adventuring our world.
I will forever hear your voice when I listen to Willie Nelson - "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain"
I will not go sailing on Lake Superior in a 17´ sailboat with 6 foot swells.
One day I will again visit Iceberg Lake and Logan Pass and think of our hiking adventures, but will bring water with on the trip up Huckleberry Trail!
I will never again sleep in a leaking two-man pup-tent for 2 nights on the Upper Saint Croix River. I will at least get a 4 man leaky tent.
Thank you for sitting through hours of me crying at the kitchen table, while you attempted to help me with algebra(FOIL).
Thank you for buying that Snow Blower when all the older kids moved out! However, I still believe you did it for yourself, as this scrawny kid wasn´t going to be able to shovel by himself.
Thank you for teaching me to count to 10 when I am frustrated and pissed off. I still need to do better in this area.
Thank you for making me help at 8:00AM Saturday and Sunday mornings. I learned by watching and doing and you understood that before I did!
Thank you for encouraging us to follow our dreams.
Last but not least.....Thank you for loving me like I was your son.
You will be deeply missed!
Until we meet again, sail all those beautiful oceans in paradise.
Love Bob
Darlene Bridley
February 18, 2021
Just a few memories I have of my brother Don
Dancing
Don was 15 or 16 years old and he asked me to teach him how to dance. Well we moved the coffee table and rolled up the throw rug, put some records on my 45 speed record player and the lessons began. It did not take long for Don to get the moves and the steps, and we danced up a storm. Over the years if we went to a wedding dance or just some place that had a band, he always would ask me for a dance.
Midnight
When Don was about 10 years old he came home one day carrying this little black puppy. I don't know who named him Midnight, but he became part of the Johnson family, and we all loved him and enjoyed him for many years.
The Doll
Don came home on leave, from the Navy, when Schelly was 1 or 2 years old. Under the Christmas tree was a doll for his little niece. He was 19 or 20 years old. I think of this young guy going into a store and picking out a doll for my little girl. A very precious and sweet memory I have of Don.
Shoe strings
I remember Don sitting on the floor with my boy Scott. He was teaching him how to tie his shoe strings. Both concentrating so hard on this lesson.
Baby sitter
I don't recall why I had Don baby sit for me, and I don't know why
it was only Sherry that he was to watch. Anyway, when I returned, I found my brother laying on his back with Sherry curled up on his chest, and both sleeping soundly. I do have a picture of them someplace. I couldn't resist getting my camera out and taking a picture to show everyone what a great baby sitter my brother was.
Road Trip
Don bought the boys down and stayed for the week end a number of times in the middle 70's. I don't know who suggested that we go on a road trip, but I got some stuff out of the fridge and put it in the cooler, and other things needed for a picnic in a paper bag. We loaded up the car and away we went. Mike, Rick, Scott, Steve and Sherry. in the back seat, and Don our driver, and me in the front. Picnic stuff in the truck. We stopped and got some ice for the cooler, and some chips, pop, and some goodies, and off west we went, Pipestone, MN. being our destination. Why Pipestone, I really don't recall.
When we arrived we went exploring. We seen the prehistoric drawings that had been made thousands of years ago. Pretty cool. We had our lunch, and then Don said that he was going to
drive over into SD. It wasn't that many more miles west. He said that the kids could say that they went into another state.
After that we headed east to Faribault. We were all very tired, but a great time was had by all.
Don's accomplishments are many. He had lots of projects, some pretty big, and he did them all, and he did them well. Along the way he became a carpenter, a electrician, a plumber, and a mason. He also was pretty good at fixing things under the hood of a car.
He was proud of going to school and learning all about computers
He got his job at 3M and was with the company for over 30 years.
Needless to say he had every right to be proud. He was raising a family, working a full time job, and going to school. He set a goal, and mastered it.
He was a hiker, a biker, a camper, paddled a canoe , traveled to many parts of the USA, and seen some of the rest of the world while in the Navy.
Getting a sail boat and learning to sail on Lake Superior was one of his greatest loves. Being the Captain of his ship made him bust his buttons. He was in his glory.
I could go on and on about all the Johnson get togethers over the years. How Don loved to reminisce about all these family fun times. So many wonderful memories.
I hope there is a big beautiful lake that he can sail on though all eternity. I will miss him so much. He always called me Sis, and I got lots of hugs from him.
Good Bye Dear brother Don
Love forever and ever. Big Sister Darlene
Nancy Volkman
February 16, 2021
In loving memory of a dear friend and my deepest Sympathy to Judy and his family.
Don was the first person that I worked with at 3M in 1971. He became a life long friend. Don was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was tireless in his giving and sharing his talents with his family and friends.
He helped me move into my first house, fixed a totally dead car, dropped me off at the airport. In later years we took a great motor-coach trip to the east coast to see the fall colors, we went hiking in the Appalachian Mts in the Carolina’s.
To my travel buddy, til we meet again.
Nancy
Cheri O'Brien-Mehl
February 15, 2021
In Loving Memory...
Our deepest sympathy to you Judy and your precious Families.
Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. God blessed us with many loving and great memories!
We will be forever grateful and thankful for them.
"When Someone we Love becomes a Memory, Our Memories become our Treasures". Amen, Amen ((Big "Socially Distanced" Hugs to you all during this difficult time of Loss)).
Cheri O'Brien-Mehl and Family
(Uncle Roger (Roddie) A. Swanson's oldest daughter and her Family, Lakeville, Minnesota)
Bob & Carolyn Koch
February 14, 2021
As my Brother In Law, Don was one of the most caring and generous guys I know. Not only did he raised my nephews and niece, he also raised his own with them. He was an inspiration and tireless father. And when he and Judy took in my Dad, Mom and Brother Jim, it showed how truly unselfish he was. Building and rebuilding his home, he shared his love with his family. I have so many memories of fabulous Christmas and Thanksgivings. My most favorites were the many Friday nights of family poker games. Lots of laughs and shared stories. He will be truly missed. There will never be another man quite like him. Until we meet again...........
Charles Swanson
February 13, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with you and your family
James Johnson
February 11, 2021
From the time he was a kid, Don was either on an adventure or looking for the next one.
One early adventure after the navy was to get a better job than factory work. He talked to me about computer programming and promptly went to tech school. I helped him with the accounting classes - he hated accounting. He then got a job at 3M and had a long IT career.
Now he had a good job which enabled him to do more adventures. Don's adventures included everything from home improvements, to collector cars, road trips, ocean cruises, sailing, camping, canoeing, wintering in Florida and Texas, Costa Rica, and so on.
My wife Linda and I joined Don and Judy on an Alaskan adventure in 2004. We had a great time. (Photo)
It was always interesting to see what he was going to do next. I'll miss that.
"James" (he always called me that) Johnson, Don's little brother.
Janna Lindsey
February 10, 2021
Uncle Don stopped at my house in Alabama on his way to Florida and we ate fish that night and had good memories about when I was growing up all the Johnson holidays. Very special love you and I will see you in heaven one day. Love Janna and John Lindsey 💞💞🙏
Tina Blanshan
February 9, 2021
Don's son Mike is a dear friend to my husband Ross and I. A few years back we had the most memorable weekend with Don and Mike on their boat. We will always cherish that weekend. Thank you Don!
Laura Friedges
February 9, 2021
I will never be able to express enough what an important role you were in my life, I will forever be grateful. Don, you will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Boats sail on the lakes,
And ships sail on the seas;
But clouds that sail across the sky
Are prettier far than these.
There are bridges on the rivers,
As pretty as you please;
But the bow that bridges heaven,
And overtop the trees,
And builds a road from earth to sky,
is prettier far than these.
You are at peace now.
"Your only Daughter"
Lori
Terry & Lynda McCullough
February 9, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to Judy and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Judi. God bless you in this difficult time.
Lisa Nelson
February 8, 2021
My husband Phil was in hospital . Don recognized how our car battery was failing. He plugged in battery for night & told me next morning we needed new battery . We were very grateful for his assistance.
Our neighborhood went for dinner several times. He loved Olive Garden where he could share his boating adventures.
Lisa & Phil Nelson , Harlingen, TX
Gerald Johnson
February 7, 2021
Don was a great brother always willing go to different event and have good time. We were able to get together and enjoy our memory of the past. He was able to build anything that he wanted. He worked his way up on all his jobs. Will miss him dearly Brother Gerry