Johannsen, Donald Roy 89, Golden Valley, died Sunday, May 20, at Adagio Manor Assisted Living. Known for his warm, welcoming heart and sincere curiosity, Don was a true family man. He was the patriarch of the family compound, Whitten's Acre, at Gull Lake where he always found a way to genuinely connect with family and guests. His passion for the lake place and the people were contagious. Don loved his many projects as well as teaching us all how to work hard and play hard. We'll miss his delicious blueberry pancake breakfasts cooked over the carefully tended fire while we overlooked the lake. Born May 30, 1928, in Minneapolis to Lillian and Arnold Johannsen. Attended Patrick Henry High School and studied electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota before joining Honeywell in 1950, where he worked in procurement until retiring in 1988. Don was a Renaissance Man with interests ranging from water and snow skiing to painting and woodworking. He was also a Master Gardener, photographer, boater, and an exceptional handyman. Superseding all these interests was his devotion to his family. Preceded in death by father, mother, brother Robert Johannsen (Carolyn), grandson Daniel Johannsen. Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn; sons Steve (Martha), Jeff (Susan) and David (Maggie), and daughter Lisa (Greg) Irsfeld; grandchildren, Matthew Johannsen (Kelly), William Johannsen (Victoria), Thomas Johannsen (Stacy), Josh Hermsdorf, Emma Hermsdorf, Amy Johnson (Brett), Jesse Johannsen, Teal Johannsen, Emma Irsfeld and Benjamin Irsfeld. A Celebration of Don's Life will be held on Sunday, June 24 from 1-4 PM. Words/readings at 2 PM. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Snyder Auditorium, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations preferred to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota (namihelps.org), Twin Cities Public Television (tpt.org).

Published on June 17, 2018