Donald Oscar Johnson

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Johnson, Donald Oscar age 90 of Minnetonka, MN. Born January 7, 1924 in Darling, MN and passed away October 22, 2014 of Alzheimer's. Donald lived a wonderful life. He moved to Minneapolis with his parents Oscar and Esther Johnson in 1928. He and siblings Louise, Robert, and Doris grew up happily with a cow, pig, and chickens in Edina during the Great Depression. In January 1945, Donald's gun position outside of Hatten, France was hit and overrun by German tanks. Donald was injured and left for dead as his unit was rounded up. He later woke up alone and was taken POW. Under near starvation conditions for 5 months, Donald's recollections of captivity and liberation, some excruciating and some hilarious, were often about food. On return from war, Donald met and wooed Betty Jean Cederberg, a Minneapolis fashion model. They were wed on June 18, 1949. She was the love of his life and he died lovingly gazing into her eyes in the 66th year of their marriage. Having completed his Civil Engineering degree at the U of M, Donald's professional career began with Ellerbe Associates. Soon after, Donald joined the Freidheim Company. Over 35 years there, Donald rose to Company President. While he achieved much in facility development, technical innovation, and product invention, he more often reflected proudly on the good personal relationships that were cultivated during those years. Donald was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His and Betty's children, Mark (Sofia), Rebecca (Charles) Lyon, & Deborah were raised with an abundance of love and encouragement. Donald's enthusiasm for parenting spilled over into Scouting, 4-H, and school volunteering, not to mention countless activities involving holidays, travel, gardening, fishing, and socializing with friends and family. His grandchildren Emily, Lukas (Gina) and Zachary Johnson, Lucy (Tim Gihring) and Frank (Christina Karr) Lyon were graced with a bounty of unconditional love and affection. The recent arrival of great-granddaughter Persephone was a delightful reminder of Donald's tender way with children. Donald was a lifelong member of Gethsemane, serving in many capacities including Sunday School teaching and building committee chair when the Church was built in 1961. He showed an earnest and joyful faith throughout his life. Formed in the Depression and severly tested in war and captivity, Donald's ebullient personality and deep love for the people in his life have been a blessing celebrated by all who knew him. Memorial service 11 AM on Monday, Oct. 27th at Gethsemane Lutheran Church 715 Minnetonka Mills Rd. in Hopkins with a visitation one hour prior. Memorials to Gethsemane or Alzheimer's Assoc. Washburn-McReavy.com Strobeck Johnson 952-938-9020

Published on October 26, 2014